However, this change has come not just like that, but over a period of comprehensive and meticulous planning, efficient execution of planned works and equally efficient operation and maintenance of each and every component devised in the project, “24×7 Water Supply System To Ilkal City”, taken up under the North Karnataka Urban Sector Investment Programme (NKUSIP), says Shivanand Kapashi, former Executive Director of the programme.
Although situated under the nose of Krishna river, which flows just 28 km away from the city, the situation was appalling throughout the year and the woes of the residents would only manifest in various degrees during summers.
The demographics on one side, and the availability of a major source of water like the Almatti dam across Krishna River on the other side turned out to be a blessing-in-disguise for the residents of the city.
The state government selected Ilkal along with 13 other towns and cities in the north Karnataka region to improve water access to households.
Finally, the project was conceived, and it was decided that it would be implemented at an initial estimated cost of Rs.19.79 crore, with the assistance of the Project Consultant SNC Lavalin Infrastructure Pvt.
Subsequently, water is supplied to every household in Ilkal city through a total distribution length of 124 km.