Govt Approves Hidkal Dam Water Release for Dharwad Industries: Minister

Fast Summary:

• Decision on Water Release: Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi announced that water from Hidkal dam would be released to Dharwad industrial area, following government clearance. Officials must ensure compliance with rules, avoiding drinking water scarcity.
• Concerns Over Excess Water Use: Jarkiholi addressed concerns about officials releasing excess water beyond stipulated limits and stated he would gather data and hold them accountable.
• Farmer Protests: Farmers had previously protested the release of water to industries. The decision was finalized after getting inputs from officials; 0.58 tmcft of water has been allocated to Dharwad industrial area for this purpose.
• Status of Irrigation Projects: The Minister urged faster execution of irrigation projects in Belagavi district, aiming for regional benefits across at least 200 km.
• Raibag Taluk Lake Project: Nearly 99% completion noted for a project initiated in 2018 under Siddaramaiah’s tenure that will benefit rain-fed areas at a cost of ₹100 crore.
• Reservoir Updates & Future Plans: Reservoirs in the district are full, with plans to release 5,000 cusecs from Hidkal reservoir starting July 9. Krishna river is experiencing an inflow of around 80,000 cusecs currently.
• Upcoming inaugurations include major projects like lake restoration works, flyover construction in Hudali, and a new Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Published: July 09, 2025 | Photo Credit: BADIGER P.K.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The Karnataka government’s decision to release Hidkal dam’s waters for industrial use highlights an ongoing balancing act between economic development and agricultural interests. While ensuring proper criteria adherence mitigates risks like drinking-water shortages or misuse through excess allocation as voiced by farmers earlier this year-the larger policy reaffirms post-study verification why clarity/multi-beneficiary handling scale-ups positively impact local community spheres if eventual coverage inclusively backs schemes budget progress strong aligns reservoirs surplus flow paths visibility longest sustainable ranges statewide boost equitable struct initiatives frameworks Details-link testroleslayers nuances connectivity applied rectals impactsonly