A project to ensure continuous water supply in Hubballi-Dharwad is expected to begin soon, Santosh Lad, Labour Minister and district in-charge, announced in Dharwad on May 12.

The drinking water supply system in the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation area has improved significantly in recent years. Even during summers, drinking water is now being supplied once every four to five days. Earlier, the interval used to be 8, 10, or even 15 days, he said. He appreciated HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali and his team for their work towards addressing water scarcity issues.

He was reviewing the progress of projects in the district, at a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner Snehal R., and other officials.

With the monsoon season approaching and farmers beginning agricultural activities, officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments were instructed to stock and distribute sufficient quantities of seeds and fertilisers. “Inputs should be supplied on time through Raitha Samparka Kendras and co-operative societies,” Mr. Lad said.

Mr. Lad said that the process of providing 24-hour water supply to all 17 wards under the Kalaghatagi town panchayat limits will commence on June 15.

The Kalaghatagi Town Panchayat consists of 17 wards with a population of over 19,000 persons. Currently, 3 MLD of water is being supplied. The work on the 24x7 continuous drinking water supply project began on May 18, 2024, and was scheduled for completion by April 24, 2026. The contractor obtained an extension, and the project work is now expected to conclude in May. The ₹35.38 crore project will officially begin operations on June 15, he said.

He instructed officials to complete similar projects at the earliest in Annigeri, Navalgund, and Kundgol towns so that residents there can also receive uninterrupted 24-hour drinking water supply.

Ms. Snehal said drinking water shortage was reported in some villages of Dharwad, Hubballi, and Kalaghatagi taluks. Water is currently being supplied through private borewells. In total, 16 villages are dependent on private borewell water supply.

At present, the district has a fodder stock balance of 5,06,588.81 metric tonnes, sufficient for the next 49 weeks, she said.