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Cauvery River Shrinks, 12 Villages Face Water Crisis
3 May
Summary
- Drinking water crisis hits 12 villages in Kodagu district due to Cauvery flow decline.
- Summer heat exacerbates water shortage, increasing evaporation from Harangi reservoir.
- Deforestation and climate change cited as primary causes of the ongoing drought.
A critical drop in the Cauvery River's flow near Hebbale has caused a severe drinking water shortage for 12 villages in Kushalnagar taluk, Kodagu district. These villages have relied on the Cauvery for their water needs for approximately twenty years, making the current situation a major concern for residents.
The ongoing intense summer heat has significantly worsened the water scarcity. Local water sources have dried up, and water stored in the Harangi reservoir is diminishing due to evaporation. While efforts are being made to release water from the reservoir, much of it evaporates before reaching the affected areas.
Experts attribute this worsening situation to factors including deforestation, excessive groundwater usage, neglect of traditional water bodies like lakes and ponds, and the broader impacts of climate change. They have urged the implementation of rainwater harvesting and water conservation measures to mitigate the crisis.
In Aiguru village, Somwarpet taluk, the prolonged heat and lack of rain have depleted groundwater levels. Wells and borewells have dried up, and a local stream has turned barren. Farmers are worried about potential damage to their coffee and pepper crops, and livestock are struggling to find adequate water and fodder.
