Panchaganga water level drops sharply; Ichalkaranji administration to install iron barrage gates

Panchaganga’s receding water has exposed riverbed; Ichalkaranji may halt water supply. Authorities plan to install iron gates at the barrage to conserve flow and secure the city’s water supply.

Ichalkaranji| November 26, 2025: The water level of the Panchaganga River has dropped significantly, triggering concern over water supply for Ichalkaranji. Recent measurements show that large portions of the riverbed have become exposed, prompting authorities to deploy urgent measures to secure water intake for the city.

Administration sources say that if the water level dips further, the existing supply scheme could be suspended, which would severely affect local households. To prevent that, the municipal council has decided to install iron gates at the Ichalkaranji barrage to maintain water levels. The move is expected to stabilise flow and ensure uninterrupted supply  especially important in view of the drying river.

While no official water-rationing order has been issued yet, citizens are being asked to use water judiciously until the gates are operational and water flow stabilizes. The municipality is also evaluating alternative water sources to meet demand.

Local residents have expressed concern, noting that receding water not only threatens domestic supply but also affects groundwater recharge and local ecology. Environmental observers warn that continuing decline in river levels  coupled with disturbances such as siltation and unregulated waste discharge  could worsen long-term water security. Experts urge conservation, upstream catchment protection, and urgent steps to reduce pollution.

With the iron-gate plan underway, Ichalkaranji’s authorities hope to avert immediate shortage  but long-term river management and sustainable water planning remain critical for future stability.

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