Belagavi will not face water shortage if rains continue for four to five days, says Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi

Minister Satish Jarkiholi at a drought assessment meeting in Belagavi on Saturday (July 4). | Photo credit: PK BADIGER

Belagavi will not suffer from water shortage if the rains continue for the next four to five days, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi said in Belagavi on Saturday (July 4).

“The district is currently receiving moderate rainfall and if there is good rainfall for just five more days, it will not suffer from water scarcity,” he told reporters after meeting officials at the deputy commissioner’s office.

“The onset of monsoon has been delayed by almost a month. There is a lack of rain in most parts of the district. However, rainfall has started in some parts of the district. If the weather forecast continues to rain for the next five days, the reservoirs and other water bodies will be filled and the water problem will be solved. At present, there is enough water in the reservoirs in the district to replenish drinking water for the next two months,” he explained, adding that there is no need for drinking water supply for the next two months.

The minister said that in some places, due to technical reasons, the water supply is interrupted and the completion of the 24/7 water supply project is delayed. “I have given strict instructions to the Belagavi City Corporation and other officials to rectify this and manage the water properly,” he said.

“The district administration has taken necessary precautions to immediately provide water through tankers in case of severe water shortage in rural or urban areas. Some rural and urban areas are facing problems due to negligence of officials or other reasons. I have asked them to rectify it,” added Mr. Jarkiholi.

The minister explained that the inflow of water into the Hidkal and Rakkasakoppa reservoirs, which supply water to Belagavi and surrounding areas, is slowly increasing. “This will supplement drinking water and agricultural activities. Agricultural activity has picked up across the district and sowing is quite good. In Belagavi district, including Ramadurga, there is currently a little less rainfall in two to three taluks. If there is rain in these parts in the next few days, there will be no problem,” he said.

Mr. Jarkiholi added that if the rains fail and the sown crops wither, the government will not abandon the farmers. “Immediately, a joint survey of crop loss will be conducted in the relevant parts and appropriate assistance will be provided,” he said.

For cloud seeding

He said there is no need for cloud seeding in Belagavi district. “Prakash Koliwad, MLA, has started cloud seeding in Haveri district to help farmers in his area. However, the situation in Belagavi district is not that dire at the moment. There are indications that the rainfall will improve in the next five to six days. However, if required, we will opt for cloud seeding in Belagavi as well,” he said a few years ago.

Published – 04 Jul 2026 20:16 IST