A reservoir located between Hatte and Belagatti villages in Koppal taluk has completely dried up due to a lack of rainfall and rising temperatures, creating a severe water crisis for local residents, farmers, and livestock. Villagers are demanding that authorities arrange for water to be diverted from the Tungabhadra River to refill the reservoir and ensure adequate storage for the surrounding communities.
Farmers in Belagatti, Hatte, and nearby villages rely on this water body for agricultural activities and drinking water for their cattle, goats, and sheep. The current scarcity has made it difficult to provide drinking water to these animals, and residents fear the situation will worsen as the heat intensifies. Although the reservoir was revived a few years ago through the Dharmasthala Grama Abhivrudhi Yojane (Dharmasthala Rural Development Scheme) and local cooperation, it has dried up again because water from the Tungabhadra River was not stored in sufficient quantities. This shortage also affects the wildlife and birds that depend on the reservoir.
Farmers Mariyappa Kirtukoti, Ningappa Kadagad, Fakirgoud Patil, and Shipareppa Kirtukoti have urged relevant officials and elected representatives to visit the site, inspect the reservoir’s condition, and take immediate action before the water crisis escalates. They emphasize that refilling the reservoir would help raise the groundwater level, benefiting agriculture and providing a water source for animals and birds. Vishnu Halakeri, a resident of Belagatti village, stated that the heat has caused a water crisis for livestock and called on representatives to take immediate steps to fill the reservoir.