Chikkodi
A severe water crisis has gripped villages along the Krishna River in northern Karnataka as the river has completely dried up under intense summer heat, leaving farmers and residents struggling for drinking water and irrigation needs.
In Chikkodi and surrounding regions of Belagavi and Bagalkot districts, river-dependent villages are witnessing a distressing situation. With no water flow for over a month, aquatic life in the river has perished in large numbers, while standing crops across thousands of hectares are drying up before harvest. Farmers cultivating sugarcane and other crops are among the worst affected.
Villages such as Jujurawad, Balawad, Shirahatti, and Sawadi in Athani taluk, along with several villages in Bagalkot district including Shiraguppi, Maigoor, Muttur, Tubachi, Jambagi, Hirepadasalagi, Takkalaki, Takkod, Surpali, Kankanawadi, and Kadakol, are facing an acute shortage of drinking water. Even though these settlements are located along the riverbank, residents are forced to rely on purchased RO water for daily consumption.
Irrigation systems dependent on lift irrigation schemes from the Krishna River have also come to a standstill. Farmers who attempted to save crops by drilling borewells are facing failure due to falling groundwater levels, pushing them into deeper financial distress.
Local farmers have expressed strong anger against elected representatives, accusing them of failing to hold meaningful discussions with the Maharashtra government regarding water release. They said promises made earlier about sending delegations have not been fulfilled, leaving the region neglected.
Residents pointed out that while seasonal drying of the river is common, no permanent solution has been implemented by successive governments. They warned that continued neglect could influence voter sentiment in upcoming elections.
Farmers have demanded immediate supply of drinking water through government-managed facilities, urgent talks with Maharashtra for water release, and compensation for crop loss caused by the drought-like conditions.