A 4-day rain spell could ease water woes, says Jarkiholi

Belagavi: Karnataka public works minister Satish Jarkiholi on Saturday reviewed natural disaster preparedness at a meeting held at the deputy commissioner’s office and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply across the district.Jarkiholi said that if rainfall continues over the next four days, the district’s drinking water crisis could ease significantly. He instructed officials to utilise reserve funds wherever necessary and arrange water supply through private borewells and tankers if required.Chairing the review meeting, the minister stressed the need to stock adequate drinking water and fodder to prevent shortages. He also directed officials to ensure prompt compensation in cases of human or livestock deaths due to rain-related incidents.

During the monsoon, departments should monitor the availability of seeds and fertilisers and ensure there is no disruption in supply. The health department was asked to be prepared to tackle any outbreak of epidemic diseases.Belagavi North MLA Asif Sait urged the water supply agency and the city corporation to coordinate closely to ensure adequate water supply within corporation limits.Deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan said the district is likely to record a 26% rainfall deficit during the monsoon season.

As many as 32 villages across seven taluks are facing drinking water shortages. Water is being supplied through tankers to 15 villages, while 23 villages are dependent on private borewells.Joint director of agriculture HD Kolekar said sowing had been completed in 6.01 lakh hectares, achieving 80% of the seasonal target. Seed distribution is being carried out through 174 centres, and there is no shortage of seeds or fertilisers.

Currently, 1.21 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers are available in stock.Deputy director of horticulture Mahantesh Muragod said 13,709 hectares have been brought under horticulture crops against a target of 18,486 hectares, achieving 74% of the target.MLC Channaraj Hattiholi, police commissioner Bhushan Gulabarao Borase, SP K Ramarajan, ZP CEO Rahul Shinde, DDPI Leelavati Hiremath and district health officer Dr Ishwar Gadad were present.