With 90 villages across various taluks in Dharwad district identified as water-stressed, the Dharwad district administration has signed agreements with owners of 186 private borewells to ensure water supply during emergencies in summer.

Chairing a meeting with officials in Dharwad on Thursday (April 2), Deputy Commissioner Snehal R. said that all necessary steps had been taken in advance to ensure that there is no scarcity of drinking water or basic infrastructure for the public.

She explained that as disruptions in drinking water supply were reported in 14 villages of the district, necessary precautionary measures were taken and water is being supplied through locally available private borewells.

In Dharwad taluk, out of 115 villages, 30 were identified as water-scarce. After tying up with owners of 60 private borewells, water is being supplied to Hosatti, Mandihal, Belur, Mugad, Managundi, and Shibaragatti villages, she said.

Similarly, in Hubballi taluk, 19 out of 46 villages were identified as water-scarce, and the administration has tied up with owners of 30 borewells.

In Kalaghatagi taluk, 16 out of 87 villages were identified as water-scarce and the administration has tied up with owners of 46 private borewells.

The Deputy Commissioner said that drinking water is being supplied through 16 private borewells in 14 villages in the district.

This apart, 48 private borewells have been identified for nine villages in Kundgol taluk and two borewells for four villages in Alnavar taluk.

The Deputy Commissioner also said the administration has made arrangements to utilise lakes and other water bodies in Navalgund, Annigeri, and Hubballi urban taluks to address any future scarcity.