Maharashtra may not pay heed to our request to release water to address drinking water needs as it too is facing water scarcity, Minister Satish Jarkiholi said in Belagavi on Tuesday.

“Irrigation and Revenue officials from Maharashtra have informed us that they are also facing water shortage and it will be difficult for them to release water to Karnataka,” he told reporters at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

“However, we are confident of managing the situation as it is not new. Maharashtra has not released water to Karnataka for a few years now. At times, it did not release the expected quantity of water. In other times, it did not release water even when its Koyna Dam was full,” he said.

“There is sufficient drinking water storage in Belagavi city for the next two months and the public need not worry. Necessary steps like supplying water through tankers to areas facing water shortage will be taken. Instructions have already been given to the gram panchayats to ensure adequate drinking water supply in rural areas. Each gram panchayat has been provided with a tanker and also, given the power to take over local sources of drinking water,” he said.

Water impounded in reservoirs will be utilised for drinking purposes on priority, the Minister said. He said that no additional water from Hidkal Dam is being supplied to Dharwad Industrial Area. He said that there are fixed rules and limits for supplying water to industries and everyone has to follow it, he said.

“Industries are not allowed to utilise water as they wish. There are rules related to water use and transportation and they have to be strictly followed,” he said.

“There is no need to worry about drinking water supply to Belagavi city and most parts of the district as our reservoirs have enough water storage,” he responded to a query.

He said that the 24 x 7 continuous water supply scheme has not been fully implemented in Belagavi city as some works under the scheme are yet to be completed.

“Some areas in Belagavi are getting water once a fortnight. That is because water is being supplied considering the quantity of water available in the city, the distribution system and some technical issues. The objective of continuous water supply will be achieved after the scheme is fully implemented,” he said.

Mr. Jarkiholi said that he is dissatisfied with the city corporation as it has failed to adequately bring to the notice of the State government various civic issues, including water scarcity. “The State government will be able to take the necessary action and find appropriate solutions only if there is clear and comprehensive information about the problems,” he said.