Almatti (Bagalkot district): North Karnataka which is already facing water crisis might be in store for more water related problems in the coming days. The water level in Almatti reservoir has dropped below dead-storage. The reservoir can store 123 tmcft of water.

The water level on Friday dropped to 506.85 metre, 0.02 m below the dead-storage. The dead-storage level for the dam is 506.87 metre with 17.620 tmcft of water.The raising temperatures might lead to more drop in water level.

The dam authorities said that the reservoir has received only 117 tmcft of water during 2015-16 (April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016) and to conserve water, they had stopped release of water to the command areas since December 3, 2015 itself. Yadgir, Vijayapura and Kalaburagi districts’ drinking water crisis and water needs of the Raichur Thermal Power Station has led to this situation are the other reasons for the drop.

Several jackwells from which water is drawn to various towns are situated above the dead-storage level. As a result, such towns may face water crisis.

Almatti dam zone Chief Engineer C?Anantharamu said that to ensure water supply, the authorities concerned have been directed to set up temporary jackwells making use of floating boats.