Chikkaballapur, 12 June

Jakkalamadagu village in Chikkaballapur district erupted in panic after a large fissure, measuring 50 metres, appeared on the surface of the Jakkalamadagu reservoir wall. The reservoir serves as a crucial source of drinking water for Doddaballapura and Chikkaballapur towns in the Bengaluru rural district.

With water levels currently at 16 meters, the significant crack has caused worry among city council officials, city water supply officials, and the public. A team of municipal officials, including senior engineers from the city water supply department and scientists from the National Institute of Rock Mechanics, visited the site on June 12 to assess the situation.

The scientists investigating the crack ruled out stone mining activities within a 5-kilometer radius as a contributing factor. They attributed the crack to poor soil quality, explaining that rainwater weakens the embankment, causing cracks to appear. However, they assured the public that the issue could be addressed with repairs.

Local residents have urged both the municipal councils and district administrations to take immediate action to protect the Jakkalamadagu reservoir. They emphasized the reservoir's critical role as a drinking water source for Doddaballapura and Chikkaballapur towns and believe the authorities hold the responsibility to safeguard this vital resource. -Salar News