Dharwad: Zilla panchayat has launched a three-pronged drought response across all eight taluks, focusing on drinking water, fodder and rural employment under VB-G-RAM G.ZP CEO Bhuvanesh Patil said the administration was working to prevent drinking water shortages during summer. One tmc ft of water was recently released from Navilutheerth reservoir in Saundatti, filling more than 55 tanks in parts of Hubballi, Navalgund and Annigeri. The water is expected to meet demand for about three months.The district requires around four tmc ft until the next monsoon. Another two tmc ft will be sought in Dec and, if necessary, additional water in March. Navilutheerth currently has 17-18 tmc ft available, reducing the possibility of a major crisis.ZP has identified 90 villages likely to face shortages and signed MoUs with 186 private borewell owners, who will receive Rs 12,000-Rs 14,000 monthly to supply water. Of 32 borewells drilled between Jan and Sept, 25 were successful. Scarcity has been reported in 17 villages, where 19 private borewells are being used. ZP plans to hire more private borewells and deepen and flush existing ones instead of relying on new drilling.Under Jal Jeevan Mission, 363 of 388 works have been completed, with 339 handed over to gram panchayats for maintenance.The multi-village drinking water scheme is expected to cover 23 villages by Oct-end and 126 by Dec. Full completion may take another 18 months because a major reservoir must be built on forest land. Talks with forest department are under way.Work accelerated after 10 contractors were blacklisted. L&T was penalised Rs 30 crore for lapses and its project manager replaced. Of the Rs 3 crore initially sanctioned, Rs 2 crore was spent. Another Rs 4 crore has been received and an action plan prepared.Patil said significant migration had not occurred. Employment rose from 500-1,000 person-days in July-Aug to 4,000-5,000 in Sept The district has fodder for 40 weeks, while mini fodder kits are being distributed to promote local cultivation.
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