Bhatkal: Water scarcity is a growing concern in Bhatkal, a coastal town in Karnataka. Rising temperatures, with levels exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, have exacerbated the water shortage in the area. In response to this crisis, several social organizations and sports centers have taken proactive measures to alleviate the suffering of the local population. Elected representatives have also become active in finding a solution to this crisis, and the government is striving to provide all possible facilities to the people.

Bhatkal and the coastal regions of Karnataka are experiencing increasing temperatures, intensifying the water scarcity issue, significantly straining water resources, and affecting the daily lives of the residents.

Thanks to the social organizations and local sports centers in Bhatkal, who show interest in solving the problems of the people from their own side and come forward to help everyone without considering religion or caste. It is true that there is a severe shortage of water in Bhatkal, but the government supplies water once every two days in some areas with the help of tankers. However, social organizations and sports centers have organized and reached every home to supply water, thereby reducing the burden on the government in affected areas.

Rabita Society, an umbrella body comprising ten Bhatkal-based Muslim organizations in the Gulf, has been actively involved in addressing the water crisis. The organization is dedicated to resolving community problems and fostering Hindu-Muslim brotherhood. According to Abdul Sami Kola, in charge of Rabita's water supply team, they have undertaken the task of supplying water door-to-door in various locations throughout Bhatkal. Areas such as Shirali, Nastar, Mundalli, Good Luck Road, Alimiyan Colony, Gajanand Street, Kargedde, and old mohallas like Ghausia Street, Takiya Street, and Alwa Street have benefited from their efforts. The Rabita water vehicle makes six to seven trips a day, supplying 4,000 liters of water per trip, and has sustained the water supply for approximately 20 days. He also stated that they are providing water to all areas in Bhatkal where people are facing water scarcity, without any discrimination based on religion or caste. In case they have missed any area, and people in that area require water, they can contact him at the mobile number 8971918484 to request water supply.

Raees Ruknuddin, the president of Labbaik Nawayat Association, has confirmed that his organization is providing a significant water supply service to the community. They are currently delivering 2,000 liters of water per trip, with their vehicle making over ten trips each day. The areas covered by their service include Qidwai Road, Maulana Azad Road, Mankuli, Gulmi, Usman Nagar, Basti Road, and the Old Bus Stand area, among others.

Mr. Ruknuddin emphasized that the water supply service is available to everyone, regardless of their religious or cultural background. The organization aims to assist any area that is in need of water.

Haneef Abad Welfare Association (HWA), Azad Nagar Friends Association (ANFA), Bin Ali Association, Shaheen Maqdoom sports center, among many other centers, including a few individuals, are also supplying water door-to-door to their respective areas, ensuring relief for the affected residents.

Mohammed Nasif Khalifa and Mustafa Askiri have informed that they are supplying water to areas such as Chautani, Bunder Road, Wandat Keri, Ghousia Street, Umar Street, Kargedde, and other areas under the banner of the Bin Ali Association.

HWA has actively addressed the water scarcity issue in the Heble area, including Haneef Abad, Kukneer, Muniri Masjid area, and Rehmat Abad, while ANFA is supplying water to the Azad Nagar and Jali areas of Bhatkal. 

The areas most affected by water shortages, including Ghousia Street, Shazli Street, Takiya Street, Alwa Street, Mushma Street, Shaukat Ali Road, Farooqi Street, Chautani, Muglihonda, and Main Road, are also receiving water supplies through tankers. These efforts are being undertaken by the Rabita Society, Maulana Abdul Bari Trust, and a few individuals who choose to remain anonymous.

Recognizing the severity of the water scarcity issue in Bhatkal, elected MLAs from the Karwar-Ankola and Bhatkal-Honavar constituencies, Satish Sail and Mankal Vaidya, held a meeting with officials from the four taluks at the Karwar Deputy Commissioner's office recently. They addressed concerns and directed officials to take immediate action to alleviate the water shortage.

In areas where the municipality and panchayat were supplying water through tankers once every two days, it was mandated in the meeting to increase the frequency to daily supply. To enhance the availability of water, the authorities have directed the repair of damaged borewells and the digging of new borewells in areas where they are needed. The objective is to tap into additional water sources and provide relief to communities facing acute water scarcity.