There are a total of 170 lakes under the jurisdiction of the Minor Irrigation Department. Out of these, 30 lakes are dry.
KALABURAGI
Even though two months have passed since the onset of the monsoon, 42 lakes in the district have completely dried up due to lack of adequate rainfall. There is not a drop of water in them, causing a problem of drinking water for people and livestock in the villages.
While the lack of rain has hampered sowing, farmers who cultivate irrigated crops are facing difficulties. Farmers are complaining that water is not coming into their borewells due to groundwater depletion.
Except for 6 lakes in Sedam taluk and 1 in Kalaburagi taluk, none of the lakes have more than 50 percent water. A total of 43 lakes, including 20 in Sedam taluk, have 31 to 50 percent water. In addition, 90 lakes, including 25 in Aland taluk, 16 in Chincholi, and 15 in Kamalapur, have 1 to 30 percent water storage.
During the same period last year, only 2 lakes out of a total of 169 were dry. It is noteworthy that 72 lakes had more than 51 percent water content.
There is only 1 to 30 percent water in 18 lakes, including 7 in Aland taluk, 1 in Chittapur taluk, 1 in Jewargi taluk, 5 in Kalaburagi taluk, and 4 in Sedam taluk. Nandarga 1 in Afzalpur taluk and Tadakal and Munalli lakes in Aland taluk have 31-50 percent water.
Farmers in the district suffered crop damage due to heavy rains last year, but this year they are facing hardship due to drought. The government is not making a proper plan to store water in lakes and increase the irrigation area to help them. When the river floods, the water flows away in vain. If a plan is made for storing water, it will be beneficial for people and livestock to drink and for agriculture, say farmer leaders.