BELAGAVI
Despite being known as the land of seven rivers, Belagavi district is currently facing a severe water crisis. In Chikkabagevadi village, two massive lakes that act as lifelines for the community have completely dried up. The once-blue waters have vanished, leaving behind nothing but parched, cracked earth.
The situation is becoming desperate for both people and livestock. As the lakes disappear, the groundwater level is also crashing. This has caused nearby borewells and wells to run dry, leaving farmers helpless as their sugarcane and vegetable crops begin to wither under the sun. Local youth leader Anand Hampannavar noted that without these lakes, there is no water left for cattle or basic hygiene.
Residents are pointing fingers at government negligence. There are 1,132 lakes in the district, and many are filled with silt or have been illegally taken over by encroachers. Citizens believe that if the authorities had cleared these encroachments and removed the silt earlier, the lakes could have stored enough monsoon water to last through this heat. Currently, even Belagavi city is struggling, with water being released only once every eight to ten days.
Responding to the outcry, District Magistrate Mohammed Roshan promised that the administration would take action to desilt the lakes. He also stated that any illegal encroachments would be cleared to save these vital water bodies. With the monsoon still weeks away, the community is praying for immediate help to prevent a total water collapse.