The depletion in ground water level in Dharwad district to a considerable extent has posed the threat of a possible shortage of drinking water in the days to come. The reason for depleting ground water level is attributed to the weak monsoon.
Due to depletion in the water level, the borewells have gone dry and farmers depending on them are in trouble
DHARWAD: The depletion in ground water level in Dharwad district to a considerable extent has posed the threat of a possible shortage of drinking water in the days to come. The reason for depleting ground water level is attributed to the weak monsoon.
By July 7, Dharwad district should have received a normal of 147mm rain, but it has received only 71mm which is 51% less than normal. Compared to last year, the ground water level has depleted by four meters and most of it has happened in June. Last year, the water level was seven meters and this time it has gone down to 11 meters. As a result of the depletion in water level, the bore wells have gone dry and farmers depending on them are in trouble.
The western part of Dharwad taluk, Alnavar and Kalghtagi taluks, which normally get more rains, are covered by forest area and hence called semi-Malnad. That the ground water level has depleted in these taluks has been a cause of worry.
According to the district office of Groundwater Directorate, Karnataka, which has 33 borewells and three open wells, the ground water level in Dharwad taluk is 18.73 meters while it is 16.46 mtrs in Kalghatagi and 8.23 meters in Alnavar. In Hubballi city it is 12.32 meters, Hubballi rural 9.58 meters, Annigeri 5.43 meters, Navalgund 9.2 meters and Kundgol 7.41 meters.
The geologists at the district office of Groundwater Directorate use telemeters to measure the ground water level. These telemeters fixed to the borewells indicate the water level once every six hours and the date is recorded.
Dharwad district does not have a river. Tupparihalla and Bennehalla, the two major streams overflow during excess rain but dry up later. Hence they are not useful for recharging the groundwater.
Alnavar and Kalghatagi taluks have more lakes but due to paucity of rains in April, May and June they have dried up partially or fully.
Vardhman Envirotech
India’s Passionate rainwater company
This article is published on: THE TIMES OF INDIA, 9 July 2023.
We would like to spread this for the benefit of fellow Indians.