In view of the depleting water-level in the Krishna and the Bhima, the district administration has barred drawing of water from them using pumpsets for farming and industries.
In a release here, Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep said that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to save water for the summer.
He has also directed officials of Krishna Bhagya Jal Nigam Ltd. and officials of Minor Irrigation and Revenue departments to temporarily revoke the permission given to people to draw water using pumpsets from the two rivers.
“With summer fast approaching, the district could face an acute water scarcity if the present water-level is not maintained,” Mr. Randeep said.
Drought
He said that the district was facing a drought this year because of scanty rainfall. There was severe shortage of potable water. A similar situation was reported in the district two decades ago.
The official said that while the Bhima was almost dry, only 2 tmcft of water was left in the Alamatti dam. The drinking water problem would only get worse after February.
As there were no better alternatives to supply water to the people, the water at the reservoir must be saved, Mr. Randeep said.
He said that in the wake of the depleting water-level in the Bhima, efforts were being made to release water from the Ujini dam in Maharashtra to supply drinking water to villages on the banks of the river.
He said that only those pumpsets providing drinking water to the villages located on the basin of the Krishna would be allowed to draw water.
