KALABURAGI: A protest was held in front of the Kalaburagi City Corporation on Monday, demanding immediate measures to tackle the worsening drinking water crisis in the city. The protesters also sought action against L&T, alleging that the company had failed to resolve the city’s long-pending water supply problems despite handling the project for several years.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah through officials, the protestors alleged that several parts of Kalaburagi were facing an acute shortage of drinking water as groundwater levels had fallen sharply due to drought-like conditions.
The memorandum claimed that residents in some wards were receiving water only once in two days, forcing many families to ration water even for basic household needs. Livestock owners were also finding it difficult to provide water to their cattle, while many poor families were being compelled to purchase water from private tankers despite their limited incomes.
The organisations alleged that women in several localities were bearing the brunt of the crisis and urged the Kalaburagi City Corporation to ensure a regular supply of safe drinking water to every ward without delay.
The protesters also accused L&T of failing to deliver the intended benefits of the drinking water project despite having executed it for nearly eight years.
They alleged that roads across the city had been dug up for pipeline works but were not properly restored, creating hazards for motorists, pedestrians, elderly residents and schoolchildren.
They also highlighted poor drainage maintenance, alleging that overflowing sewage and unhygienic conditions had increased the risk of water-borne diseases, including cholera, in several parts of the city.
The protestors also demanded construction of more public toilets, repair of underground drainage systems, widening of roads, improvement of basic civic infrastructure and implementation of drought relief measures.
SKM district convener Sharanabasappa Mamashetti, AIKS district president Bhimashankar Madiyal and others were present.
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