The Karnataka government’s move to divert 45 million litres per day (MLD) of water from the Hidkal Reservoir in Belagavi to the Hubballi-Dharwad industrial area has triggered widespread outrage and protests across Belagavi district. The ₹300 crore project, led by the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), involves laying a 150-kilometre pipeline to supply water to industrial units—raising serious concerns about drinking water shortages in Belagavi, Hukkeri, and Chikkodi, all of which depend heavily on the reservoir.
Despite earlier protests that temporarily stalled the project, construction has resumed quietly, heightening fears of water scarcity. Activists, including Sujit Mulgund and Ashok Chandaragi, have strongly criticized the decision, warning that the diversion will worsen existing shortages—particularly during summer months when residents already face week-long gaps in water supply.
They argue that the government should instead focus on long-pending regional projects like the Mahadayi and Ghataprabha canal schemes, which are intended to boost water availability in northern Karnataka. The lack of transparency and consultation has further fueled public resentment, especially as most local elected officials have remained conspicuously silent on the issue.
Critics say the project prioritizes industrial growth at the expense of basic public needs and accuse the state government of ignoring the water rights of Belagavi’s citizens.