Bengaluru is currently experiencing a severe water shortage, and a similar crisis has emerged in Mandya, Karnataka, where 38 villages are grappling with water scarcity due to decreasing water levels during the summer season. To combat this, local authorities have commandeered private borewells to secure water distribution in the impacted villages. The Hindu reports that one of these villages is receiving water distribution through tankers.
The situation is unfolding as water levels in the Cauvery basin dams in Karnataka are declining. On March 15, 2023, the storage level at the KRS dam stood at 14.72 TMC feet, whereas on the same date in 2024, it was recorded at 41.06 TMC feet.
Following the recent crisis in the villages, a meeting took place in Mandya on Monday. Panchayat Development Officers from the Gram Panchayats, officers from the taluk panchayat, and assistant engineers from the water supply division attended the meeting. During the meeting, they decided to schedule meetings on the first and fourth Monday of each month for the next three months to monitor the water situation and implement measures to address the crisis.
In response to the crisis, the Mandya district administration has initiated a drinking water helpline for the public to report issues and receive prompt assistance.
The administration has announced that the helpline (08232-229624) will operate 24/7. With rising temperatures and declining water levels in the KRS dam and other sources, the district is preparing to tackle the challenges of the upcoming summer.
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Shaikh Tanveer Asif informed TOI that a 24×7 helpline has been established following the directives of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department.
As of March 12, data indicates that eight villages in the district are experiencing a drinking water shortage. To address this, more than nine private borewells have been commissioned, providing coverage for 10 villages.