Kalaburagi: The Regional Commissioner of Kalaburagi division has ordered the release of water from the Narayanapura reservoir to meet the drinking water needs of people and livestock in Afzalpur, Jewargi and Yadrami taluks of Kalaburagi district, which have been facing an acute shortage over the past three to four months due to inadequate rainfall.The decision follows a proposal submitted by the Kalaburagi deputy commissioner and a technical opinion report from the chief engineer of Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigama Limited (KBJNL). A total of 1.2 tmcft of water is being released into the Bhima River from the Narayanapura reservoir through the Indi Branch Canal (IBC) via escape points located at the 34.1 km and 50 km marks.Jewargi MLA Ajay Singh expressed gratitude to water resources minister Ramalinga Reddy, the Kalaburagi divisional commissioner, the district deputy commissioner and the chief engineer of the Narayanapura reservoir for responding to the public demand.He said the release of water would help resolve the drinking water crisis in Jewargi, Afzalpur and Yadrami taluks, besides benefiting several villages in the region and bringing much-needed relief to residents.According to Singh, water is being released at the rate of 300 cusecs per day with effect from July 18.The regional commissioner directed the deputy commissioners of Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Vijayapura districts to take precautionary and supervisory measures to ensure the water released for drinking purposes is not wasted and reaches designated locations safely.The use of this water for agriculture, industrial activity or any purpose other than drinking has been strictly prohibited. Superintendents of police in Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Vijayapura districts have been instructed to provide adequate security along the river course to ensure the uninterrupted flow of water.Directions have also been issued to the concerned officials, including chief engineers of KBJNL at Narayanapura and Bhimarayanagudi, to take necessary action.
