Belagavi Approves Dam Water Release, Industrial Zones Get Priority Supply
The Karnataka government has approved the release of 0.58 TMCFT of water from the Hidkal dam to the Dharwad industrial zone, prompting concerns over drinking water security and agricultural needs. Authorities have been directed to adhere strictly to established release protocols. As infrastructure contracts are rolled out and implementation begins, senior officials have urged accelerated completion of long-pending irrigation works across Belagavi district to ensure water access for surrounding rural and drought-prone regions.
In a major shift prioritising industrial infrastructure, Karnataka has sanctioned the release of 0.58 TMCFT of water from the Hidkal dam to support operations in the Dharwad industrial area. Authorities confirmed that work is now underway under the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), following contract approvals. While the decision aligns with official assessments on water availability, the move has raised concerns among farming communities and civil society groups. Past protests had stalled similar plans, citing the risk to drinking water supply and agrarian livelihoods. Officials have been explicitly instructed to follow release norms to prevent over-extraction and to monitor the implementation closely. The decision underscores a growing tension between industrial growth demands and sustainable water management in Karnataka’s semi-arid districts. Meanwhile, with reservoirs nearing capacity, the administration plans to release 5,000 cusecs from the Hidkal reservoir from July 9, even as inflows into the Krishna River cross 80,000 cusecs.
Parallel to industrial water releases, authorities have recommitted to long-delayed irrigation projects across Belagavi, aimed at improving drought resilience and enhancing regional agricultural output. Officials were instructed to expedite schemes designed to benefit areas within a 200-km radius, ensuring equitable resource distribution. Among these is a nearly completed ₹100 crore initiative to fill 39 lakes in Raibag taluk, originally sanctioned in 2018. With 99% of the work reportedly done, the project is expected to significantly boost groundwater recharge and surface irrigation across rain-fed areas. Additionally, upcoming inaugurations include key civic infrastructure such as a new district collectorate and the Hudali flyover. However, concerns persist over delays in past approvals and the need for clearer coordination between the Irrigation Department and industrial planning bodies. As the state walks a fine line between industrialisation and water equity, timely implementation, accurate monitoring, and community engagement remain critical to avoid long-term fallout.
As Karnataka moves forward with a dual focus on industrial development and irrigation infrastructure, Belagavi district finds itself at the heart of this balancing act. While the release of Hidkal water to Dharwad industries marks progress for manufacturing zones, it simultaneously revives anxieties among rural communities dependent on these shared resources. To ensure water equity and ecological sustainability, senior officials must not only enforce release norms but also speed up irrigation schemes benefiting farmers. Transparent governance, cross-departmental coordination, and proactive community engagement will be essential as the state manages competing demands on its finite water reserves.
