Lifeline water tanks set for major revival

Hubballi: Decades-old water tanks in Hubballi-Dharwad are set to undergo major revival after officials from the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) conducted inspection and identified two major reservoirs for urgent repairs.

The tanks at Rayapur and Saraswatipur, with capacities of 4.5 million litres per day and 3.2 MLD, respectively, were prioritised. These ground level storage reservoirs were among the oldest in the region and supplied water to several densely populated residential colonies in Hubballi and Dharwad.

During the inspection, officials observed that the structural condition of the tanks deteriorated over time, raising concerns about their strength and long-term safety. In view of the critical role these reservoirs played in the city’s water distribution network, KUIDFC prepared and forwarded a rehabilitation proposal. The proposal was approved, clearing the way for restoration work aimed at improving structural stability and ensuring uninterrupted water supply.

Hubballi-Dharwad had a total of 75 water tanks forming part of its storage and distribution system. Of these, 27 were GLSRs and 48 were elevated level storage reservoirs (ELSRs). Hubballi had 15 GLSRs and 23 ELSRs, while Dharwad had 12 GLSRs and 25 ELSRs. The identification of Rayapur and Saraswatipur tanks for immediate rehabilitation highlighted the priority given to ageing infrastructure that supported large sections of the urban population.

The rehabilitation initiative was expected to strengthen key storage assets, reduce the risk of failures linked to ageing structures, and improve reliability in water supply operations, particularly in areas that relied heavily on these older ground-level reservoirs.

Savita Katigennavar, superintending engineer, KUIDFC, said that soon, the rehabilitation work of decades-old tanks will be taken up. During the survey, three water tanks were identified, Rayapur, Saraswatipur and Madarmaddi, of which two tanks will be rehabilitated immediately. Once all procedures are complete, work will be initiated, she said.

Currently, the Rayapur GLSR covered ward No. 24, part of 26, 27, 28, 29 and part of 35, and the Saraswatipur GLSR covered Ward No. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25 and 26, she added.