Chamarajanagar Grapples with Severe Drinking Water Crisis as Supply Drops to Once in 10 Days
Residents of Chamarajanagar town in Mysuru district are confronting a severe and escalating drinking water crisis, with water supply in numerous residential layouts drastically reduced to just once every ten days. This alarming situation has left thousands of households struggling to meet their daily water needs, forcing many to turn to expensive private alternatives.
Groundwater Depletion and Technical Failures Worsen the Situation
Local officials have confirmed that the crisis has intensified significantly due to the rapid depletion of groundwater levels across the region. Compounding this natural challenge are persistent distribution losses and technical malfunctions at key pumping stations and within the aging water distribution network. These combined factors have severely hampered the ability of authorities to maintain regular water supply to the population.
Worst-Affected Areas and Resident Struggles
The water shortage has hit several neighborhoods particularly hard, creating immense hardship for residents. Among the worst-affected areas are:
- Galipura
- Somwarpet
- Nayakara Beedhi
- Uppara Street
- Muslim Colony
- Maruthi Layout
- Indira Nagar
- Various newly developed residential layouts
With the municipal supply becoming increasingly unreliable, residents have been left with few viable options. Many are now compelled to purchase drinking water from private suppliers, placing a significant financial burden on families, especially those with limited means.
Inadequate Supply Despite Multiple Sources
Although the Chamarajanagar City Municipal Council (CMC) and district administration draw water from the Cauvery River at T Narasipura through a dedicated pipeline and operate 284 borewells to serve over 16,000 households—approximately one lakh people—the quantity remains woefully insufficient. The CMC water supply wing currently pumps nine lakh litres per day, distributing this limited resource across 31 municipal wards.
Mahesh, a resident of Indira Nagar, expressed the community's frustration: "Until the first week of this month, there was no problem. But now, due to the crisis, CMC authorities are supplying water to most households only once in 10 days."
Shivanna, another local resident, highlighted the financial strain: "Residents have no choice but to buy water from private tankers that charge Rs 300 for a 1,500-litre capacity tank and Rs 600 for a 3,000-litre capacity. It is difficult for many residents to afford that. CMC must make alternative arrangements."
Political Response and Future Solutions
In response to the growing public outcry, Chamarajanagar MLA C S Puttarangashetty has assured residents that CMC officials will soon receive directives to ensure drinking water access for all. He emphasized that the implementation of the Rs 276 crore Hosamalangi drinking water project is expected to address the crisis in the coming days, providing a more sustainable solution to the region's water woes.
The current crisis underscores the urgent need for improved water management infrastructure and conservation measures in Chamarajanagar. As residents endure this challenging period, all eyes are on authorities to deliver both immediate relief and long-term solutions to prevent such severe shortages from recurring.
