The district is now experiencing an oppressive heat wave with the temperature touching 39 or 40 degrees Celsius every day. Of the six taluks in the district, Challakere and Molkalmuru are the worst affected, with the groundwater table depleting considerably. The major water sources — tanks, wells and borewells — have almost completely run dry.
As per official records, more than 300 villages in the district would face acute shortage of drinking water if the situation continues for another month or so.
The authorities concerned have already taken steps to supply drinking water by tankers to 16 villages in Molkalmuru and 24 villages in Challakere. The numbers are expected to increase in the coming month.
The average rainfall in the district between January and March is 8.7 mm. This year, Chitradurga has received only 1.6 mm of rain. There are 4.26 lakh animals in the district and the stock of fodder available is 3.07 lakh tonnes. Officials predict this to be sufficient for another 21 weeks.
The district administration has already submitted a proposal of Rs. 12.93 crore to take up drought relief works, including supplying drinking water to affected areas. But the State government has released only Rs 1.40 crore. The district administration has to pay Rs. 9.51 crore input subsidy to 1.25 lakh farmers in the district.
The authorities have already opened goshalas in Mattigarhalli, Mysarhatti, Rayapur and Marammanhalli villages in Molkalmuru taluk, and in Choulur, Doddaullarthi and Hirekere Kaval villages in Challakere.
Desperate situation
Water is being supplied by tankers to 24 villages
There are 4.26 lakh animals in the district
Available stock of fodder is 3.07 lakh tonnes
The district administration has submitted a drought relief proposal of Rs. 12.93 crore
