Members of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and other farmers’ organisations, along with residents, staged a protest outside the Kalaburagi City Corporation office on Monday, carrying empty pots to highlight the acute drinking water shortage in the city.

The protesters, including members of the Karnataka Pranth Raitha Sangha, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and the All India Kisan Sabha, alleged that several localities in the city were facing severe water scarcity due to declining groundwater levels amid drought conditions, forcing residents to depend on private water tankers.

Activists Sharanabasappa Mamshetty and Maula Mulla accused the L&T company-operated water supply project of failing to ensure a regular and safe drinking water supply despite being in operation for several years and sought action against the company for alleged negligence.

The agitators raised concerns over unfilled roadworks made for pipeline works, poor sanitation, open drains and inadequate civic amenities. They also submitted a memorandum addressed to the Urban Development Minister through the City Corporation Commissioner, urging the authorities to take immediate steps to ensure an uninterrupted water supply, repair drainage networks, and provide drought relief to the district.