GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD

GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET

BELLARY DISTRICT, KARNATAKA STATE

SOUTH WESTERN REGION

BANGALORE
MARCH 2011
 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD

GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET

BELLARY DISTRICT, KARNATAKA STATE

SOUTH WESTERN REGION

BANGALORE
MARCH 2011
 BELLARY DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

Sl. Items Statistics

No.
1 General Information
i. Geographical area (sq. km) 8420
ii. Administrative Divisions 1
iii. Number of Taluks 7 (Bellary, Hadagali, H.B.Halli, Hospet,
Kudlugi, Sandur & Siruguppa.)
iv. No. of Panchayats /Villages : 189/554(524 Inhabited+30 uninhabited)
v. Population (As on 2001 Census) 20,27,140
vi Annual normal rain fall (1996-2005) 611 mm
2 Geomorphology
Major Physiographic Units Northern maidan region, monotonous,
treeless and expansive plateau
landscape. Sandur hills are the main
physical features dividing the district
into eastern and western parts. The
principal hill ranges are Kumaraswamy
hills, Ramanmalai, and Jambunatha
hills. The highest peaks of the hills are
in kumaraswamy hills with 1084m amsl.
The average altitude of the district is
493.71m amsl.
Major Drainage Drained by Tungahadra river, which
runs along the border and forms the
boundary of the district for about 300
kms. Chikkahagari & Hagari/Vedavathy
are tributaries drains south to north of
the district. The drainage pattern is
dendritic to subdendritic.
3 Land use (ha)
Forest area (District at a glance) 27017
Net area sown (District at a glance) 459250
4 Major soil types Sandy loam soil along the stream beds,
Red soil in elevated places, black soil in
irrigated land and in other parts.
5 Area under principal crops Crop Area
(2005-2006) in ha Jower 88970
Paddy 66807
Maize 53782
Bajra 18570
Ragi 5794
Wheet 848
Total cereals 234771
Gram 10510
Tur 8889
Other pulses 14027

I
 Total Pulses 33426
Sun flower 88158
G. nut 72964
Others 13811
Total oil seeds 174933
Cotton 42373
Sugar cane 5352
Tobacco 560
Others 177713
Total Cash crops 225998
6 Irrigation by different sources (District Number Area (ha)
at a glance 2005-2006 Minor irrigation
census-2001)
Dug wells 2860 7159
Bore wells 17768 53256
Tanks/ Ponds - 2054
Canals 2+Branch canals 79706
Lift 3322 11943
Other Sources - 7115
Net Irrigated Area (ha) 161233
Gross irrigated area (ha) 204259
7 Number of ground water monitoring
stations of CGWB (as on 31-03-2007)
Number Dug wells 37
Number of Piezometers 23 (10 VRB project+13 Hydrology
Project)
8 Predominant geological formations The major geological formation is
granitic gneiss, Younger granites and
schist. Recent alluvium along the river
course.
9 Hydrogeology
Major Water Bearing Formations
Shallow aquifers of alluvium along the stream courses up to 10m and weathered
zones of gneisses Granites and occur between the depths of 9 to 25m bgl.
Deeper aquifers of jointed and fractured gneisses, granites and Schists occur
between the depths of 30 to 197 m bgl.
Pre-monsoon Water Levels during 2006 1.72 – 19.48 m bgl (average 4.77m)

Post-monsoon Water Levels during 2006 1.22– 17.61 m bgl (average 3.47m)

Long term water level NHS From National Hydrograph Stations

trends (Dug wells) (NHS) water levels have shown rising
(1997-2006) in m/year: trend in the range of 0.003 to 0.404 &
average rise of 0.125 m/year, while at
24 NH Stations water levels have
recorded falling trend in the range of
0.003 to 0.588 with the average of
0.473 m/year.

II
 NHS At four National Hydrograph Stations
(Piezometers) (Piezometers) water levels have shown
rising trend in the range of 0.005 to
0.487 with the average of 0.251 m/year,
at eight piezometers water level have
shown falling trend in the range of 0.057
to 1.528 with the average of 0.535
m/year.
10 Ground water exploration by C.G.W.B. (as on 31-03-2007)
No of wells drilled-VRB Project EW: 47, OW: 12, PZ: 12
Regular exploration EW:21, OW: 12
program (2001 to
2003) PZ:13
Hydrology project
Depth range-VRB Project 09 to 90 m bgl
Regular exploration 181 to 197m bgl
program (2001 to
2003)
Discharge- VRB Project 0.22 to 11.20 litres / second
Regular exploration 0.00 to 5 litres / second
program (2001 to 2003)
Transmissivity (Overall) 1 to 350 m2 / day
11. Ground water quality
Presence of chemical constituents more Chemical quality of Ground water is
than the permissible limit suitable for all purposes in major parts
of the district with low sodium type of
ground water except in few pockets
where Nitrate & Chloride concentration
is high in few pockets (parts of Hospet,
Siruguppa, Hadagali & south of Kudlugi
taluks). SAR ranged 0.1 to 9.4 and %
Sodium ranged from 27.47 to 75.37.
Type of water Low sodium type
12. Dynamic Ground Water Resources (ham) (2004)
Net Annual Ground Water Availability 52961 ham
Existing gross Ground Water Draft for all 27202 ham
use
Projected demand for Domestic and 6502 ham
Industrial uses up to 2025
Stage of Ground Water development as 51.36
on March 2004 (%)
13. Awareness and Training Activity
Mass Awareness Programmes 1 at Bellary
organised
Water Management Training Nil
Programmes organised:
14. Efforts of artificial recharge & rain water harvesting
Projects completed by CGWB Nil
(No and amount spent)

III
 Projects under technical guidance of Nil
C.G.W.B (numbers)
15. Ground water control and regulation
Number of OE Blocks Nil
Number of Critical blocks Nil
Number of blocks notified Nil
16. Major ground water problems and Water logging conditions in
issues Tungabhadra command areas
especially in Tungabhadra low level and
high level canal area which are showing
rising water level trends, salinity due to
water logging and soil deterioration due
to intensive irrigation and extensive use
of fertilizers. Power cut, shortage/
fluctuation is another burning issue in
lifting available ground water.

IV
 BELLARY DISTRICT

1.0. INTRODUCTION

1.1. General
The new Bellary district was formed in 1997. It is famous for its world heritage site at
Hampi as listed in UNESCO, which has splendid ruins of ancient city/capital of
Vijayanagar spread in an area of 26sq. kms. on right bank of Tungabhadra river.
Tungabhadra River forms the natural boundary dividing the district on the west from
Dharwar and on the north the Raichur district. Agriculture is the main occupation
and 75% of the labour force is dependent on agriculture. Bellary district consists of
two widely differing natural divisions-the eastern division is flat and almost treeless,
Western division with constant succession of wild, rugged hills and comparatively
having high elevation.

The population in the district is around 20, 27,140 (as per 2001 census), out of which
rural population is 1320290 (65.13%). The density of population is 241 per square
kilometres. The Scheduled caste population is 37421 and Scheduled tribe
population is 36438. The sex ratio is 970 females for every one thousand males.
The irrigation in the district is mainly is from surface water source wherein about 58
% of the area is irrigated from canals, tanks, and lift irrigation. However about 38%
of the total irrigated area is coming from ground water source mainly through bore
wells followed by open wells respectively. The district falls in Krishna river basin.
The cultivable land is about 541473hactares (2000-2001 census) out of which 81505
hectares (15%) is irrigated. The district is bestowed with good surface water
resources provided by rivers, canals, and tanks. The river Tungabhadra is having
good potential for multipurpose, major, medium and minor irrigation projects. The
water of Tungabhadra are reputed for its sweetness and made use for water supply.
The total number of minor irrigation schemes in the district is about 24055 covering
549 villages in the district. Out of 24055, 2860 are dug wells, 17768 are shallow
tube wells, 104 are surface flow structures and 3322 are lift irrigation indicating
surface water as main source of irrigation.

1.2. Location
The district Bellary is elongated from south-west to north-east and is located in the
eastern part of the Karnataka state and lies between the north latitude 140 30’ : 150
47’ east longitude 750 40’ : 770 11’. The geographical area of the district is about
8420 Sq.kms. The district is having south-west to north-east spread of about 186.7
kms. And east west spread of 161 kms respectively. Physiographically it is occupied
by hills in the central part with plains on the east and west. Bellary district is
bounded on the north by Koppal and Raichur districts, on the west by Gadag and
Haveri district, on the south by Davanagere and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka
state and on the east by Anantapur and Kurnool districts of Andrapradesh. The
Sandoor hills are the main physical features in the district which starts from
Mallapuram on the bank of Tungabhadra and runs 48 kms in the south easterly
direction up to Bellary. A map showing administrative set-up of the district is given in
figure-1.

1
2
1.3. Administrative set up
The district comprises of seven taluks namely Bellary, Hadagali, H.B.Halli, Hospet,
Kudlugi, Sandur and Siruguppa. Among the seven taluks Bellary taluk is the largest
having an area of 1689sq kms. This is 20% of the total area of the district. Hospet
taluk is the smallest with total geographical area of 934 sq. kms. The district is
having one revenue sub division at district head quarter at Bellary (Figure-1).

1.4 Communication
The district is well connected by high ways and other main roads. Fairly good
network of roads exists connecting taluk head quarters with the district head quarters
and hoblis to various taluk head quarter. Total there are 288.60kms of NH,
631.93kms of SH, 1323.30 kms of major district roads and village road length of
1200.65 kms serves as communication system. Added to this the South Central
railway line (Hubli-Guntakal) passes through Hospet and Bellary. Overall 310 kms
length of railway roads falling in all the taluks except in Hadagali and Siruguppa
taluks adds the communication network.

1.5 Drainage
The district falls in Krishna basin. The Tungabhadra perennial river forms major
drainage system in Bellary district. Tungabhadra enters the district at Kuruvatti
village in Hadagali taluk and forms the boundary for nearly 300 kms and drains from
south western part, than flows north east to east west and drains out of the district.
Major interstate irrigation project constructed across this at Mallapuram village in
Hoospet taluk with an catchment area of 28179 sq.kms. Chikka Hagari and
Hagari/Vedavathi are the tributaries of Tungabhadra runs south to north from the
southern tip of the district. These are seasonal rivers flows during monsoon season.
Chikkahagari River originates in Guddada Ranganahills near chitradurga and drains
into bellary district flows south to north and joins Tungabhadra at Mallapuram after a
travel of 64 kms in the district. A Medium irrigation project across this river exists at
Malavi in H.B.Halli taluk. Hagari/Vedavathy the other tributary originates near
Mallaianagiri hills in chikmagalur distyrict6 and enters the eastern part of the Bellary
district and drains Hadagali and Kudlugi taluks before joining to Tungabhadra with a
travel of 92 kms at Bagavadi village in Siruguppa taluk. Number of minor streams
which rises locally and ultimately drains into Tungabhadra. Naarihalla is one among
them which is damed (medium irrigation project) at Taranagar in Sandur taluk useful
for irrigation in the taluk. The drainage in the district is dendritic to sub-dendritic in
nature. Dense drainage is noticed in the eastern and western part of the district and
sparse drainage is noticed in the central part. The drainage analysis in Hagari,
Garanihalla, Chinnahagari and Vedavathy river/stream indicates that the length of
the streams ranged 96 to 172 sq.kms., The drainage area ranged from 3522 to 7329
sq.kms, falls in 5th and 6th order stream, drainage density ranged from 0.72 to 1.70
L/AU km/km2 and average slope ranged from 1.65 to 1.78 DL/AU. The drainage
map of the district is in the figure-2.

1.6 Crops and irrigation practices

As per 2001 census, 84.74% of land holdings are having less than 4ha, which cover
53.04% of the total area. The major crops grown are the cereals with an area
234771ha where jowar (37.89%), paddy (28%), maize (22.90%, and Bajra (7.9%)
are the major cereals. This follows the cash crops in an area 220646ha in which
other cash crops and cotton are the major crops.Then follows oil seeds with an area

3
4
of 174943ha in which sunflower as the major crops. Lastly pulses with an area of
33426ha in which other pulses and gram are the major crops. The net sown
areacomprises 56.47% of the total geographical area, in which 15.80% of the area is
being sown more than once. As per the records about 20.40% of the net sown area
is irrigated through surface water source, and about 13.15 of the area is irrigated
through ground water. The surface water irrigation practices is through canals with
the total length of 456 kms from T.B. major irrigation project and two medium
irrigation projects (Hagaribommanahalli and Naarihalla) with the other surface water
sources like tanks and lift irrigation. As per the census records, the district has
24055 minor irrigation schemes, of which 2860 pertains to dug wells, 17768 tube
wells, 104 surface water flow schemes and 3322 lift irrigation schemes.

1.7 Activities carried out by CGWB

Bellary district is covered under Vedavathi River Basin Project studies during 1971 to
1980. The main objective of this project is to improve the methodology of Ground
Water Resources Evaluation and to establish parametric indices for optimum
development of scarce ground water resources and to bring out necessary user
maps. Under this project 47 exploratory wells, 12 observation wells and 10
pizometers were constructed. The result reveals that total depth between 27 to 97
m, water bearing fractures encountered between the depths of 16 to 36 and from 64
to 95m. The discharge range between 0.22 to 11.20 lps. Central Ground Water
Board has carried out Systematic Hydrogeological surveys, Reappraisal
Hydrogeological surveys and Groundwater Exploration in the district. The deep
drilling up to 200m depth was carried out under Ground Water Exploration program
during 2001 to 2003. Overall 21 Exploratory wells and 12 Observation wells and one
pizometer were drilled. The groundwater exploration have revealed the existence of
potential zones at deeper depth of 181 to 197m with discharge range one to 5lps.
Total 13 numbers of purpose built piezometers constricted in the district and were
constructed during 1998-99 for continuous water level monitoring, in which automatic
water level indicators being installed. Besides this, Central Ground Water Board
maintains a good network of observation wells (NHS) in the district, which are
monitored periodically to keep a close vigil of water level variations.

2.0 RAINFALL AND CLIMATE

The climate of Bellary district is quite moderate shows dryness in major part of the
year and a hot summer from March to May months where mean maximum
temperatures ranges from 23.2°C to 40.4°C. June to September is the southwest
monsoon period where the temperature 19.7°C to 35.1°C, October and November is
the post monsoon retreating monsoon season with clear bright weather with the
mean daily temperature ranges from 14.4°C to 31.1°C. During December to
February weather remains dry and comparatively cool season. The skies clouded or
overcast during southwest monsoon. During October and November some of the
depressions and cyclonic storms originates in Bay of Bengal moving in a westerly to
north westerly direction which passes through the district causing wide spread heavy
rains and high winds. The mean maximum temperature in the district is 40.4°C. and
the mean minimum temperature is 14.3°C (January month). Relative humidity
ranges from 48 to 74% in the morning and in the evening it ranges from 27% to 61%.
The winds are light to moderate with some strengthening in the south west monsoon.
During October to April, the winds blow from directions between north east and south

5
east and are calm in morning. Winds blow southwest and northwest direction during
May to September with an average velocity of 12 kmph. These high winds combined
with higher temperature result in high degree of evaporation to the tune of 12.5
mm/day in May against a minimum of 5.4 mm/day in the month of December.
Bellary district receives rainfall from southwest monsoon from June to September
and northeast monsoon from October to December. Overall on an average, there
are 43 normal rainy days (1901-1970), where minimum in Bellary taluk with 32.4
rainy days, maximum in Sandur taluk with 56.4 rainy days. Actual rainy days
recorded during the year 2005 ranged from 41 to 67 wherein Kudlugi taluk is the
minimum with 41 rainy days and maximum is in Sandur taluk again with 67 rainy
days. As per the 1951 to 1970 rainfall data analysis, the precipitation during
southwest monsoon accounts for 60% of the total amount of rainfall and during
northeast monsoon it is 24% the remaining 11.62% is sporadic in summer.
September is the wettest month in the year. The analysis of the last ten years
rainfall data (1996-2005) shows that the highest rainfall occurred in Sandur taluk with
752.1mm and the lowest at Bellary with 452mm and over all annual normal rain fall
in the district is 611mm. Again it is proved that south west monsoon contributes 63%
of the total rainfall in the district and north east monsoon with 25.36%. Deficiency in
rainfall is observed in the four taluks for the last ten years in the range of 2.40%
(Kudlugi taluk) to 26.02% (Bellary taluk). The excess rainfall in the range of 15.41%
(Siruguppa taluk) to 23% (Sandur taluk) was observed.

3.0 GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOIL TYPES

The district may be classified as Northern Maidan region with monotonous, treeless,
and expansive plateau landscape. The step like landscape, hills and ridges are the
general features of the northern maidan region. The central part of the Bellary
district is occupied by hills and plains to east and west. The Sandur hills run North
West of the district dividing the district in to two distinct parts. The eastern part
consists of Hospet, Bellary and Siruguppa taluks. The western part consists of
Hadagalli, Hagaribommanahalli, Kudlugi and Sandur taluks. The Tungabhadra River
forms the eastern and northern boundary of the district. The average elevation of
the district is 493.71m amsl. The Sandur hills are the main physical features with
valley and its lush green forest growth. It extends from Mallapuram on the bank of
river Tungabhadra and runs for 48 kms in the south easterly direction up to Bellary.
The highest elevation in the ridge is the famous Kumaraswamy hills which is 1084m
amsl. Ramanmalai (993.1m amsl) and jambunatha hill (908 m amsl) are the major
ridges in the district. The other ridges in the district are Ramagod (1058 m amsl) and
Donimalai (1027m amsl). Some of the isolated peaks in the district are Kallahalli
gudda (836m amsl), Narasimhadevaragudda (775 m amsl), Gudekote (836m amsl)
and Bellary hills (602m amsl). The sandur hills, the mallappanagudi and kallahalli
gudda ranges are of dharwar schists while the rest of the hills and clusters are of
older granitic formation.

The soils of the district are derived from Granites, Gneisses and Schistose rocks.
The Sandy loam soil mixed with black and grey soil occurs along the stream beds.
These are originated from gneisses and granites. They are permeable and mildly
alkaline in nature. The thickness of the soil varies from 0.2 to 1.00m. The Red soil
are the major type of soil in the district, found mainly at elevated places especially at
fringes of hills due to decomposition of rocks and surrounding granitic and gneissic

6
hills. These soils are with high permeability and neutral PH. Black soil with high
initial infiltration rate when dry and cracked. On getting wet cracks will close and
infiltration rate will be very low. These are derived from schistose rocks. The Black
soil is found in the prolonged submerged areas and canal command areas having
low Permeability. It is calcareous and mildly alkaline in nature.

4.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO

4.1 Hydrogeology
Hydrogeologically, the district forms a part of hard rock terrain comprising granitic
gneiss, younger granites and schistose formation of Archean age. The alluvium
occurring in old river course and in flood plains of granitic and gneissic terrain, which
are noticed in Hagari river course of Kudlugi, Bellary and Siruguppa taluks. The wells
constructed in these areas tapping alluvial aquifers are with perporated cement ring
dug wells and fitted centrifugal pumps. Even cavity wells were noticed near kottur
area. The granitic gneiss and gneissic granite which form major aquifers in the
district recorded a weathered and semi weathered zone up to 25m. Schistose
formation has weathered formation with less granular and fractured as openings than
granites and gneisses. Occurrence and movement of ground water are controlled by
the degree of weathering, fracturing and the geomorphologic set up in the area. The
hydrogeological details of the district are presented in the figure-3.

4.2.1 Occurrence of ground water

The ground water occurs under phreatic and semi confined conditions in weathered
and fractured rocks. The principal rock types are granites, gneisses, and schist has
no primary porosity but possess fractures and joints as secondary porosity which
forms water bearing and yielding properties of these rocks. The ground water in the
above rock types reported that the potential aquifers exist down to the depth of
138mbgl in the gneissic and granitic rocks where as schistose rocks holds less
potential zones due to its compactness and clay filled weaker zones. Alluvial
aquifers with the thickness of up to 25 m yields copious water as observed in PD
halli. The deep-seated fracture is common to the depth range of 80 to 110m along
major lineaments. The principal source of recharge is rainfall. In command areas
seepage from reservoirs canals and percolation from applied irrigation water form
additional recharge source.

4.2.2 Depth to water level

Out of 21 National Hydrograph Stations (NHS-dug wells) located in Bellary district,
the depth to water levels recorded during May-2006 was in the range of 1.72 to
19.48m bgl. The depths to water levels recorded during post monsoon period
(November 2006) were in the range of 1.22 to 17.61m bgl. The average depth to
water level during pre-monsoon is 6.78m and in post monsoon it is 5.94m. The pre-
monsoon and post-monsoon depth to water levels is depicted in Figure-4 and
Figure-5. Further the depth to water level between 0.00 to 5.00m in both pre and
post monsoon periods were observed in parts of Hospet taluk, most of the part of
Siruguppa taluk and in some parts of west and North West of Bellary in Bellary taluk
due to Tungabhadra canal irrigation activity. The major portion of the district shows
5.00m to 10.00m water level during May-2006, as well as during November 2006.
The major part of Kudlugi taluk, part of Hadagali and sandur taluk and east of Bellary

7
8
9
10
taluk is covered either with hill ranges and partly bad land topography. Such areas
are left out for want of sufficient control over the water level data. In the remaining
part, due to uneven topography, the depth to water level changes with a short
distance. The water levels in the 5-piezometer national hydrograph stations ranged
from 4.05 to 31.72m bgl during May 2006 and 3.59 to 37.83m bgl during November
2006.

4.2.3 Seasonal water level fluctuation

Consequent upon seasonal rainfall, the water levels record a rise indicating the build
up of storage in ground water reservoir. During the non-monsoon period, this gets
depleted due to exploitation and natural discharge. Therefore, the water levels, in
general show a receding trend from December to May. The seasonal water level
fluctuation for the year 2006 is available for 21dug well national hydrograph network
stations. Where 85.71 of the NH Stations have shown a rise in water levels in the
range of 0.07 to 5.46 m, 14.29 percent of the stations have recorded a fall in water
levels in the range of 0.08 to 0.50m. The seasonal water level fluctuation for the year
2006 is available for 13 piezometer hydrograph network stations, which is in the
range of 0.59m to 1.90m. The average water level fluctuation in pizometer during
2006 is 1.24m.

4.2.4 Long-term water level trend

The long term water level trend is analyzed in 43 NH Stations for the period from
1997 to 2006, where 19 stations have shown rising trends in the range of 0.003m/y
to 0.407 m/y and the average rise in water levels is 0.125 m/y. Similarly falling trend
were observed in 24 national hydrograph network stations in the range of 0.008m/y
to 1.675 m/y with the average fall of 0.473 m/y. The average maximum rise in water
levels over the years is observed in Kudlugi taluk is 0.239 m/y and the least 0.061
m/y in Siruguppa taluk. Maximum fall in water levels are observed in Sandur taluk
with 1.209 m/y and minimum fall is in Bellary and Kudlugi taluks with 0.214 m/y.
Similarly the water level trend in 13 piezometers over the years for the period 1997
to 2006 showed rise in water level in five piezometers in the range of 0.005 to
0.487m/y with the average rise in water level is 0.251 m/y. Similarly fall in water
level in 8 piezometers in the range of 0.057m/y to 1.528m/y with an average fall of
0.535m/y.

The last ten years (1997 to 2006) Pre monsoon water level data indicates that mean
pre monsoon water level is in the range of 1.68m to 15.67m with an average of
6.14m. However rise in pre monsoon water level were observed in 11 stations in the
range of 0.008m/y to 0.588 m/y with an average of rise of 0.155 m/y. Further fall in
pre monsoon water levels were observed in 20 stations in the range of 0.027 to
0.780 m/y with an average fall of 0.213 m/y. Similarly the post monsoon water levels
in the district for the last ten years indicates that rise in water levels in 13 stations in
the range of 0.005 m/y to 0.369 m/y with an average rise of 0.12 m/y. The fall in post
monsoon water level in the last ten years were observed in 19 stations in the range
of 0.029 m/y to 0.783 m/y with an average fall of 0.280 m/y.

4.2.5 Aquifer systems encountered in the area

The study of aquifer geometry and parameters have been attempted in Bellary
district by Central Ground Water Board, South Western Region, Bangalore, under its
systematic and reappraisal hydrogeological surveys, ground water exploration

11
programme and in Vedavathy River Basin Project through drilling exploratory bore
wells at select places. Overall 18 exploratory wells, 2 observation wells, 11
piezometers and 28 water table wells were drilled in VRB project. And in regular
exploratory drilling program between 2000 and 2003, 21 exploratory wells, 12
observation wells were constructed in seven taluks of the district. The aquifer zones
are weathered / fractured & jointed granites, gneisses and schists occurring at
various depths from 7to 197m bgl.
The aquifer geometry in shallow zone is limited to 25 m, it has exploited through dug
wells from the weathered mantle of the formation. The dug well has shown the
specific capacity ranges from 0.50 to 727.86m3/day/m/dd. The transmissivity in
granites/gneiss ranged from 0.24 to 292.38m2/day. The findings of VRB project
indicates the fractured rock transmissivity ranged from 50 to 350m2/day and
fractured block transmissivity is ranged from 40 to 50m2/day. In schistose formation
it ranged from 1 to70 m2/day. The gross storativity of the fractured block is of the
magnitude of 10-3 in granites and 10-4 in schist.

The exploratory bore wells drilled in the district where depths ranging from 96 to
200.00m bgl. The discharge ranges from <1.0 to 8.20 lps. The yield-cum-
recuperation tests conducted on the wells show that the drawdown range of 1.20m to
30.61m, Specific capacity ranged from 2.06 250 m3/day/m/dd, transmissivity of
aquifer material in general range from 1.54 to 345 m2/day and the static water level
recorded is in the range of 1.68m to 32.15m bgl.

4.3 Ground water resources

Ground water resources for Bellary district is estimated taluk wise and presented in
the table-1, which indicates that the Net annual ground water availability in the
district is 52961 ham, Gross ground water draft is 4132ham, and Ground water
balance available for future ground water development is 34117 ham. Taluk wise
data viz. Net ground water availability, Existing ground water draft for irrigation,
Existing gross groundwater draft for domestic and industrial water supply, Existing
gross ground water draft for all use, Allocation for domestic and industrial use for
next 25 years, Net ground water availability for future irrigation development,
Average crop water requirement, Balance of ground water irrigation potential and the
Stage of ground water development is shown in the table.

Based on the stage of ground water development, 100% area in Hospet taluk, and
almost 96 % of the area in Sandur taluk falls in safe category where there is scope
for further ground water development. In Siruguppa, Bellary and Kudlugi taluks it
ranged from 40 to 51% of area falling in safe category, where proper graound water
management practices to be followed for further ground water development.
Hadagali taluk falls in OE category where it is required to recharge ground water with
artificial recharge methods and further ground water development is to be avoided.
50% of the area in Kudlugi taluk falls in Semi critical where it is to adopt proper
management practices for avoiding further critical stage. Bellary aout 60% and
Siruguppa 49% of the area not covered under canal irrigation falls under OE which
also requires attention. Similarly in Kudlugi 10 % of the area falls in OE where
proper ground recharge schemes to be implemented. Taluk wise stage of ground
development computed as on March 2004 is presented in the figure-6.

12
13
Table-1 Taluk-wise Groundwater Resource of Bellary district as on March 2004

WATER DRAFT FOR DOMESTIC

NET ANNUAL GROUND WATER

WATER DRAFT FOR ALL USES

ALLOCATION FOR DOMESTIC

BALANCE GROUND WATER

EXISTING GROSS GROUND

EXISTING GROSS GROUND

EXISTING GROSS GROUND

WATER AVAILABILITY FOR

AND INDUSTRIAL USE FOR
AND INDUSTRIAL WATER

AVERAGE CROP WATER

IRRIGATION POTENTIAL
FUTURE IRRIGATION
WATER DRAFT FOR

NEXT 25 YEARS

REQUIREMENT
CATEGORISATION

AVAILABILITY

IRRIGATION

AVAILABLE
(%)

SUPPLY
TALUK

SEMI-CRITICAL

CRITICAL (%)
SAFE (%)

OE (%)
(%)
HAM HAM HAM HAM HAM HAM (M) HAM % % % %
Bellary 12703 2202 683 2886 1111 9447 0.89 10585 41 59
Hadagali 6242 5565 518 6083 875 608 0.82 743 OE
H.B.Halli 7544 6047 549 6596 881 699 0.71 980 24 32 44
Hospet 6654 1393 948 2341 1351 3910 0.85 4623 Safe
Kudlugi 9634 6047 342 6389 532 3198 0.76 4213 40 50 10
Sandur 8778 1638 567 2204 889 6252 0.88 7136 96 4
Siruguppa 1606 778 525 1303 863 10003 0.89 11208 51 49
Total 52961 23670 4132 27202 6502 34117 0.82 39488

4.4 Ground water quality

The water samples from National Hydrograph Stations were analysed to decipher
the shallow aquifer water quality. The results indicate that the water is alkaline in
nature with average PH value of 8.6 and overall range between 7.8 to 9.1. The
average values of other important parameters like Ca-74ppm, Mg-68.88ppm, TH-
469ppm, Cl-401ppm, F-1.18ppm etc., which are falling in desirable to permissible
class as per “Indian standard drinking water specification’’ except pH value is
slightly higher, which falls beyond permissible limit. The Nitrate and Chloride
contents are found more in few pockets in Hospet, Sirguppa and parts of Hadagali,
and south of Kudlugi taluks. This is due to intensive irrigational activities in the
command area especially in Hospet and in siruguppa taluks where farmers use
maximum Nitrogen, Phosphate and sulphate fertilisers. It is observed Nitrate
concentrations are beyond 100 ppm in the range of 106 to 380 ppm and the average
Nitrate concentration is 144.33 ppm. Similarly, Chloride concentrations are observed
in the range of 78 to 923 ppm with an average of 401 which falls in permissible class.
However most part of the Bellary district where Chloride is exceeding the desirable
limit of 250 ppm. Fluoride concentration ranged from 0.2 to 3.2 ppm with an average
of 1.18 which is well within the permissible limit but exceeding the desirable limit and
many samples exceed the permissible limit of 1.5 ppm. Based on this, ground water
quality map of the district is presented in the Figure-7. Considering the ground
water quality in the district for irrigation purposes it is found that the Specific
conductance ranged from 870 to 4760 (average 2189 m mhos/cm at 25° c), Sulphate
is in the range of 38 to 826ppm (average 241.83 ppm) and sodium is in the range of
41 ppm to 449 ppm (average 241.16). The Sodium Adsorption ratio calculated
ranged from 0.1 to 9.4 indicating Low Sodium Type of ground water falling in
excellent class. Based on percent Sodium it ranged from 27.47 to 75.37 falling
desirable to permissible class. The Residual carbonate values calculated indicates
less than 1.00 where it is excellent for irrigation purposes.

14
15
4.5 Status of ground water development
4.5.1 Bellary taluk
The Bellary taluk with 99 villages with a population 625494 where besides surface
water, ground water also is the source of drinking water. The remaining part where
surface water is not available, groundwater is the main source for both drinking and
irrigation purposes. There are 829 bore wells fitted with hand pumps, 116 bore wells
used for piped water supply schemes, 143 bore wells used for mini water supply
schemes. These are the major abstraction structures for drinking water needs in the
taluk. Bellary taluk having total geographical area of 1689 sq.kms of which 71.64 %
(121096ha) is of cultivable land, in which the net irrigated area is about 14.52 %
(17585ha). Out of 14.52% about 4.2% (5125ha) of the net irrigated area comes from
ground water. So the ground water for irrigation is being developed from shallow
dug wells, dug-cum bore wells and shallow tube wells. Thus as per 2001 census
there are 1687 shallow irrigation bore wells are the major ground water development
structures for irrigation purpose followed by 580 shallow irrigation dug wells. The
ground water developed from these structures is utilized for irrigation through
adopting sprinklers (18 dug wells+64 shallow bore wells), drip irrigation (2 dug
wells+43borewells), open channel (344 dug wells+1077 bore wells), underground
channels (192 dug wells+438) bore wells) and others (23dugwells+65 bore wells).
These are the major ground water development management practices in the taluk.
The stage of ground water development is concerned 41 % of the area is safe as the
pre-monsoon mean (May-96 to May-2005) water level is in between 4.59 to 6.25 m
in most of the area. Further 59% of the area is falling under OE category where it
demands proper ground water augmenting projects to recharge the ground water
system. Shallow zone ground water can be developed for irrigation through dug
wells in topographic lows and through shallow/deep bore wells in the other areas.
The four exploratory bore wells drilled by the CGWB under VRB project have yielded
1.31 to 3.54 lps for the drilled depth up to 90.00mbgl. The exploration for deeper
aquifer during 2001 to 2002 have constructed 4 exploratory wells and two
observation wells in the depth range of 188 to 200m where deeper aquifers being
explored. The yield was in the range of 1.1 to 6.3lps is useful and facilitating drinking
water needs.

4.5.2 Hadagali Taluk

Hadagali taluk is mainly rain fed. The surface water utilisation /availability is limited
to western part of the taluk, which falls under irrigation scheme/minor irrigation
schemes. Groundwater is the main source of drinking water and irrigational purposes
in Hadagali taluk. In general, ground water developed through dug wells, dug cum
bore wells and bore wells. Bore wells are the main ground water development
structures for both drinking and irrigation purposes. The statistical analysis of ZP,
the yield range of 0.5 lps to 2.5 lps and all the villages in the taluk have been
provided with drinking water supply like piped water supply schemes, mini water
supply schemes and hand pumps. There are 438 bore wells fitted with hand
pumps, 71 bore wells used for piped water supply schemes and 137 mini water
supply schemes through bore wells, fulfilling drinking water needs and support the
above fact. Hadagali taluk having total geographical area of 94853ha of which 75.95
% (72048ha) is of cultivable land, in which the net irrigated area is about 18.13 %
(130635ha). Out of 18.13% about 12.44% (8965ha) of the net irrigated area comes
from ground water which is major and only 5.69 % of the net irrigated area fall under
surface water irrigation in western part of Hadagali taluk. So the ground water for

16
irrigation is being developed from shallow dug wells, dug-cum bore wells and shallow
tube wells. Thus as per 2001 census there are 3133 shallow irrigation bore wells are
the major ground water development structures for irrigation purpose followed by
188 shallow irrigation dug wells. The ground water developed from these structures
is utilized for irrigation through adopting sprinklers (23 dugwells+16 shallow bore
wells), drip irrigation (2 dug wells+0 bore wells), open channel (140 dugwells+1981
bore wells), underground channels (0 dugwells+924 bore wells) and others (23
dugwells+212 bore wells). These are the major ground water development
management practices in the taluk. The CGWB studies reported that the unit draft
ranges for dug well 0.003 to 0.02 MCM. DCB are 0.008 to 0.025 MCM bore wells are
0.03 to 0.05 MCM. Considering the Annual ground water development and water
level trend during various seasons over the period the Hadagali taluk is categorised
under OE (Overexploited). The pre-monsoon mean (May-96 to May-2005) water
level is in between 12.18 to 15.67 m in most of the area. Considering the OE
category where it demands proper ground water augmenting projects to recharge the
ground water system. The five exploratory bore wells drilled by CGWB under VRB
project have yielded 0.13 to 5.55 lps for the drilled depth up to 65.00mbgl. The
exploration for deeper aquifer during 2001 to 2002 have constructed 3 exploratory
wells and two observation wells in the depth range of 144 to 200m, where deeper
aquifers being explored. The yield was in the range of 0.25 to 5.1 lps is useful and
facilitating drinking water needs through ground water.

4.5.3 Hagari Bommanahalli Taluk

H.B.Halli yet another taluk is of mainly rain fed. The surface water
utilisation/availability is limited to 856 ha (Department of information and statistics)
area of the taluk, which falls under irrigation through Tungabhadra canal.
Groundwater is the main source of drinking water and irrigational purposes in H.B.
Halli taluk. In general, ground water developed through dug wells, dug cum bore
wells and bore wells. Bore wells are the main ground water development structures
for both drinking and irrigation purposes. All the villages in the taluk have been
provided with drinking water supply like piped water supply schemes, mini water
supply schemes and hand pumps. There are 323 bore wells fitted with hand
pumps, 681 bore wells used for piped water supply schemes and 133 mini water
supply schemes through bore wells, fulfilling drinking water needs and support the
above fact. H.B. Halli taluk having total geographical area of 97599ha of which
67.36 % (65744 ha) is of cultivable land, in which the net irrigated area is about
16.50 % (10853ha). Out of 16.50% about 13.23% (9698 ha) of the net irrigated area
comes from ground water which is major and only 3.37 % of the net irrigated area fall
under surface water irrigation through canals of Tungabhadra. So the ground water
for irrigation is being developed from shallow dug wells, dug-cum bore wells and
shallow tube wells. Thus as per 2001 census there are 3206 shallow irrigation bore
wells are the major ground water development structures for irrigation purpose
followed by 3 shallow irrigation dug wells. The ground water developed from these
structures is utilized for irrigation through adopting sprinklers (0 dugwells+1025
shallow bore wells), drip irrigation (0 dug wells+51 bore wells), open channel (0
dugwells+2139 bore wells), underground channels (0 dugwells+2304 bore wells) and
others (3 dugwells+687 bore wells). These are the major ground water
development management practices in the taluk. Considering the annual ground
water development and water level trend during various seasons over the period the
H.B. Halli taluk is categorised under Semi critical with 32 % and OE (overexploited)

17
with 44% in non command areas. In this taluk almost all irrigation dug wells are dry
during pre monsoon period with the water level of more than 16.00m below ground
level. However the irrigation bore wells are in operation and the yield reduces as the
summer months approaches. The long term water level trend (1997 to 2006) at
Hampasagara pizometer shows fall with 0.567 m/y and the water level during May
2006 is 21.35m bgl. Considering the OE and semi critical category where it
demands proper ground water augmenting projects to recharge the ground water
system. Further while taking ground water developmental activities priorities needs
to be given for meeting the drinking water requirements of rural and urban areas.
The five exploratory bore wells drilled by the CGWB under VRB project have yielded
0.15 to 6.50 lps for the drilled depth up to 87.00 mbgl. The exploration for deeper
aquifer during 2001 to 2002 have constructed 3 exploratory wells and two
observation wells in the depth range of 200m where deeper aquifers being explored.
The yield was in the range of 0.61 to 5.50 lps is useful and facilitating drinking water
needs through ground water.

4.5.4 Hospet taluk

About 26.74 % of the total geographical area of Hospet taluk is covered by forest.
In the remaining part where surface water is the main source for both drinking and
irrigation purposes, to a lesser extent is from ground water source. The low level
ground water development in the taluk is attributed to the Tungabhadra canal water
irrigation available for entire area except pockets of uplands. There are 966 bore
wells fitted with hand pumps, 66 bore wells used for piped water supply schemes, 98
bore wells used for mini water supply schemes. These are the major abstraction
structures for drinking water needs in the taluk. Similarly, in the irrigation sector
ground water being developed through dugwells, dug cum borewells and shallow
tube wells. Hospet taluk having total geographical area of 93374ha of which 49.73
% (46439 ha) is of cultivable land, in which the net irrigated area is about 20.61 %
(9572 ha). Out of 20.61% about 9.66% (4489 ha) of the net irrigated area comes
from ground water which is less when compared the surface water irrigation with
11.01 % of the net irrigated area through canals of Tungabhadra. So the ground
water for irrigation is being developed from shallow dug wells, dug-cum bore wells
and shallow tube wells. Thus as per 2001 census there are 1611 shallow irrigation
bore wells are the major ground water development structures for irrigation purpose
followed by 864 shallow irrigation dug wells. The ground water developed from
these structures is utilized for irrigation through adopting sprinklers (3 dugwells+5
shallow bore wells), drip irrigation, (11 dug wells+18 bore wells), open channel (685
dugwells+1232 bore wells), underground channels (153 dugwells+231 bore wells)
and others (12 dugwells+125 bore wells). These are the major ground water
development management practices in the taluk where the use of sprinklers and drip
irrigation activities are negligible. Considering the annual ground water development
and water level trend during various seasons over the period the Hospet entire taluk
is categorised under Safe. The Mean water level during pre monsoon period (May-
96 to May 2006) ranged from 1.81 to 6.23m. The long term water level trend (1997
to 2006) from NHS shows average rise 0.1428 m/y. Considering the Safe category
where Shallow zone ground water can be developed for irrigation through dug wells
in topographic lows and through shallow/deep bore wells in the other areas. The
one exploratory bore wells drilled by the CGWB under VRB project have yielded 0.70
lps for the drilled depth up to 86.00 mbgl. The exploration for deeper aquifer during
2001 to 2002 have constructed 3 exploratory wells and two observation wells in the

18
depth range of 200m where deeper aquifers being explored. The yield was in the
range of 0.13 to 8.20 lps is useful and facilitating drinking water needs through
ground water.

4.5.5 Kudlugi taluk

About 21.07 % of the total geographical area of Kudlugi taluk is covered by forest.
Groundwater is the main source of drinking water and irrigational purposes in
Kudlugi taluk. In general, ground water developed through dug wells, dug cum bore
wells and bore wells. Bore wells are the main ground water development structures
for both drinking and irrigation purposes. All the villages in the taluk have been
provided with drinking water supply like piped water supply schemes, mini water
supply schemes and hand pumps. There are 708 bore wells fitted with hand
pumps, 102 bore wells used for piped water supply schemes and 226 mini water
supply schemes through bore wells, fulfilling drinking water needs and support the
above fact. Kudlugi taluk having total geographical area of 159706ha of which 61.38
% (98034 ha) is of cultivable land, in which the net irrigated area is about 11.03 %
(10819ha). Out of 11.03% about 10.26% (10060 ha) of the net irrigated area comes
from ground water which is major and negligible 0.77 % of the net irrigated area fall
under surface water irrigation through localised tanks. So the ground water being the
overall source for irrigation and being developed from shallow dug wells, dug-cum
bore wells and shallow tube wells. Thus as per 2001 census there are 3522 shallow
irrigation bore wells are the major ground water development structures for irrigation
purpose followed by 309 shallow irrigation dug wells. The ground water developed
from these structures is utilized for irrigation through adopting sprinklers (7
dugwells+77 shallow bore wells), drip irrigation, (9 dug wells+68 bore wells), open
channel (283 dugwells+1917 bore wells), underground channels (9 dugwells+1421
bore wells) and others (1 dugwells+39bore wells). These are the major ground
water development management practices in the taluk. Considering the annual
ground water development and water level trend during various seasons over the
period the Kudlugi taluk is categorised under Semi critical with 50 % and OE
(overexploited) with 10% in non command areas. Overal 40 % falls under Safe
category having further scope for ground water development. Most of the irrigation
dug wells are having deep water levels/ dry during pre monsoon period as observed
in Gajanur, Kottur and Kudlugi. However the irrigation bore wells are in operation
and the yield reduces as the summer months approaches. The long term water level
trend (1997 to 2006) at NHS shows fall in the range of 0.008m/y to1.675 m/y with an
average of 0.740 m/y. Considering the 50 % under semi critical and 10 % OE
category where it demands proper ground water augmenting projects to recharge the
ground water system. Further while taking ground water developmental activities
priorities needs to be given for meeting the drinking water requirements of rural and
urban areas. The eleven exploratory bore wells and four observation bore wells
drilled by the CGWB under VRB project have yielded negligible to 11.20 lps
(C.J.Halli) for the drilled depth up to 58.00 m bgl. The exploration for deeper aquifer
during 2001 to 2002 have constructed 3 exploratory wells and two observation wells
in the depth range of 187 to 200m where deeper aquifers being explored. The yield
was in the range of 0.03 to 4.0 lps is useful and facilitating drinking water needs
through ground water.

19
4.5.6 Sandur taluk
About 225.55 % of the total geographical area of Sandur taluk is covered by forest.
In the remaining part where Ground water is the main source for both drinking and
irrigation purposes, to a lesser extent is from surface water source. The high level
ground water development in the taluk is attributed to the limited availability of
surface water from Tungabhadra canal. There are 748 bore wells fitted with hand
pumps, 67 bore wells used for piped water supply schemes, 74 bore wells used for
mini water supply schemes. These are the major abstraction structures for drinking
water needs in the taluk. The irrigation sector the ground water being developed
through dug wells, dug cum bore wells and shallow tube wells. Sandur taluk having
total geographical area of 94359 ha of which 39.29 % (37078 ha) is of cultivable
land, in which the net irrigated area is about 14.00 % (5194 ha). Out of 20.61%
about 9.18% (3405 ha) maximum of the net irrigated area comes from ground water
when compared to the surface water irrigation with 4.82 % of the net irrigated area
through canals of Tungabhadra and tanks. So the ground water for irrigation is being
developed from shallow dug wells, dug-cum bore wells and shallow tube wells. Thus
as per 2001 census there are 1055 shallow irrigation bore wells are the major ground
water development structures for irrigation purpose followed by 775 shallow irrigation
dug wells. The ground water developed from these structures is utilized for irrigation
through adopting sprinklers (10 dugwells+45 shallow bore wells), drip irrigation (0
dug wells+2 bore wells), open channel (761 dugwells+766 bore wells), underground
channels (0 dugwells+134 bore wells) and others (4 dugwells+108 bore wells).
These are the major ground water development management practices in the taluk
where the use of sprinklers and drip irrigation activities are negligible. Considering
the annual ground water development and water level trend during various seasons
over the period the Sandur entire taluk (96%) is categorised under Safe except 4 %
falling under semi critical. The Mean water level during pre monsoon period (May-96
to May 2006) ranged 7.55m. The long term water level trend (1997 to 2006) from
NHS shows average rise 0.0832 m/y. Considering the Safe category where Shallow
zone ground water can be developed for irrigation through dug wells in topographic
lows and through shallow/deep bore wells in the other areas. The three exploratory
bore wells drilled by the CGWB under VRB project have yielded 0.12 lps to 2.9 lps
for the drilled depth up to 90.00 m bgl. The explorations for deeper aquifer during
2001 to 2002 have constructed one exploratory well to the depth of 200m where
deeper aquifers being explored. The yield was in the range of 1.05 lps is useful and
facilitating drinking water needs through ground water.

4.5.7 Siruguppa taluk

Siruguppa taluk where considerable amount of ground water developed is in the
urban areas for developmental activities and that the use of ground water for
agricultural purposes is very limited except in the non command areas. The low
level ground water development in the taluk is attributed to the Tungabhadra canal
water irrigation available for entire area except pockets of uplands. There are 610
bore wells fitted with hand pumps, 73 bore wells used for piped water supply
schemes, 131 bore wells used for mini water supply schemes. These are the major
abstraction structures for drinking water needs in the taluk. In irrigation sector the
ground water being developed through dug wells, dug cum bore wells and shallow
tube wells. Siruguppa taluk having total geographical area of 104278 ha of which
96.88 % (101034 ha) is of cultivable land, in which the net irrigated area is about
14.27 % (9572 ha). Out of 14.27 % about 1.34 % (1357 ha) of the net irrigated area

20
comes from ground water which is negligible when compared the surface water
irrigation with 12.93 % of the net irrigated area through canals of Tungabhadra.
However the ground water for irrigation is being developed from shallow dug wells,
dug-cum bore wells and shallow tube wells. Thus as per 2001 census there are 554
shallow irrigation bore wells are the major ground water development structures for
irrigation purpose followed by 141 shallow irrigation dug wells. The ground water
developed from these structures is utilized for irrigation through adopting sprinklers
(1 dugwells+1 shallow bore wells), drip irrigation (1 dug wells+1 bore wells), open
channel (1 dugwells+104 bore wells), underground channels (329 dugwells+28 bore
wells) and others (7 dugwells+3 bore wells). These are the major ground water
development management practices in the taluk where the use of sprinklers and drip
irrigation activities are negligible. Considering the annual ground water development
and water level trend during various seasons over the period the Siruguppa taluk is
categorised 51 % under Safe and 49 % under OE. The Mean water level during pre
monsoon period (May-96 to May 2006) ranged from 2.97 to 6.13m. The long term
water level trend (1997 to 2006) from NHS shows average rise 0.0.061 m/y where as
average fall in non command area is 0.567 m/y. Considering the Safe category
where Shallow zone ground water can be developed for irrigation through dug wells
in topographic lows and through shallow/deep bore wells in the other areas. Where
as in non command areas where it demands proper ground water augmenting
projects to recharge the ground water system. The two exploratory and one
observation bore wells drilled by the CGWB under VRB project have yielded 5 to 7
lps for the drilled depth up to 76.30 m bgl. The exploration for deeper aquifer during
2001 to 2002 have constructed two exploratory wells in the depth range of 200m
where deeper aquifers being explored. The yield was in the range of 1.73 to 2.34 lps
is useful and facilitating drinking water needs through ground water.

5.0 GROUND WATER DEVELOPMENT

As per resource estimation overall stage of Ground water development is 51.36%

where in different taluks it ranged from 22.71 to 97%. Hospet and sandur taluks
falling in Safe category with the stage of ground water development 35.18% and
25% where the balance ground water potential may be utilised with different
abstraction structures suitable with reference to its topography and the aquifer
geometry. The taluks like Hadagali, H.B.Halli where the ground water development
reached almost saturation point with 87 to 97% falling in semi critical to OE category.
Especially in H.B. Halli taluk almost all the dug wells are dry during pre monsoon
period and water levels are deep during post monsoon period besides a large
number of bore wells were drilled in these areas and putting stress on ground water
potential. At these areas the farmers drilled the bore wells without taking into the
consideration of the spacing criteria between well to well. This has to be educated
and a proper farm management practice is to be adopted for judicial use of available
ground water. The Groundwater Resource Estimation of the district indicates that
the net ground water availability for future irrigation development is 34117 HAM, and
the Balance of ground water irrigation potential is 39488 HAM. Based on this and
the present status of ground water development i.e. through shallow dug wells and
bore wells alone where the deeper aquifers are not much exploited, it is proposed
that the ground water development structures viz. dug wells and dug cum bore wells
and bore wells in those areas falling under Safe and semi critical category. Dug
wells are the ideal structures in command areas of Hospet, Siruguppa, and Bellary

21
taluks. Dug cum bore wells and bore wells are suitable in the other areas. In case
of DCB extension bores of 100 to 152mm drilled from the surface of the dug well,
both these may be drilled up to a depth of 40 to 80m and to tap deeper aquifers it
has to be drilled up to 200 m.

It may be taken into consideration while designing the various abstraction

structures; emphasis for a farm budget model can be evolved for the structure with a
designed discharge of 2 to 5 lps with an irrigable command of 1.25 to 3.00ha.
Ground water development may also be considered on the banks of rivers and
streams in Hospet, bellary and Siruguppa taluks in general.

5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge

The taluks Hospet, Siruguppa and parts of Bellary are falling in command area.
These areas the water table is shallow, low rate of ground water exploitation and
gradual rise of water table over the years resulting in ruling out of any Artificial
Recharge schemes. As per the Resource estimation, 59% of the area in Bellary
taluk, 49% Siruguppa, 44% in H.H. Halli and 10% area of Kudlugi taluks falls under
Over Exploited category which requires immediate intervention by way of
conservation and artificial recharge to ground water in order to arrest further
declining trend in water levels. Artificial recharge through percolation tank, check
dam and nalla bunds are the solutions to recharge ground water in the district.
Further Dug well Recharge schemes where the shallow dug wells are dry like in
HB.Halli and Kudlugi taluks can be taken up so that available surface runoff available
in their field can be recharged into the groundwater system. Kudlugi taluk is the
largest next to Bellary, where in predominately undulating and hilly comprising of
undulating and rugged terrain where the runoff is high. Under these conditions, it is
advisable to go for watershed treatment methods, which can help in augmenting the
ground water resources. Further considering the topography, the structures like
gully plugs, cement plugs, nalla bunds and contour bunds may be constructed by
which runoff can be arrested and recharged in to the ground water. As per the
statistical data the district has 74 ZP tanks distributed in Kudlugi, HBhalli, Sandur,
Hadagali and Hospet taluks, of which Hadagali taluk falling in OE category having
least number of surface water tanks with six, this is unusual considering its nature of
large geographical area falling in non command area. There is a scope for further
construction of percolation tanks, check dams and other artificial recharge structures
to enhance the recharge in to the ground water system in Hadagali, H.B.Halli, and
Kudlugi taluks. Most of the existing tanks are silted and dried up. Desilting the tanks
and construction of additional tanks will help in recharging the phreatic zone. Sub
surface dykes are suitable along the river course where ever thickness of alluvium is
more.

6.0 GROUND WATER RELATED ISSUES & PROBLEMS

In command areas of Hospet, Siruguppa and Bellary taluks are having shallow water
level between ground level to 3.00m during both pre and post monsson period
especially in the areas of Tungabhadra low level and high level canal which are
showing regular rising trend water table (Emmiganur and Tekkalakota) are water
logged and in some places prone to water logging leading to ground water
contamination. This is attributed to seepage from canal to shallow aquifer, less
ground water exploitation, unrestricted canal water irrigation, no proper drainage

22
system and major part of the surface water applied for irrigation is by flooding
method in to the nallahs during the intensive irrigation period which are again
causing water logging. Due to water logging quality deterioration where Peddavanka
water shed in Siruguppa taluk reported higher salinity. In non command areas like
H.B.Halli Kudlugi taluks and other areas ground water pollution is due to poor
drainage, use of fertilizers in agriculture and indiscriminate dumping of domestic and
agricultural waste on the land. The studies by CGWB reports that the ground water
having Fluoride contamination which are geogenic in origin occurring in western and
northern part of Hadagali and control points of Kudlugi taluks. The soils in canal
irrigation and in some other parts are deteriorated due to intensive irrigation and
extensive use of fertilisers. However the state government has taken up land
development/treated through water shed development project in which it is identified
an area of 431436ha are not available for irrigation due to bad soil. It is reported that
150349ha land were developed/treated through water shed development projects
and still remains balance of 231408ha of land. This directly or indirectly contributes
to ground water pollution. The other most common problem is power cut and voltage
fluctuation in lifting the ground water for their irrigation purposes. In many of the
villages water scarcity exists due to defunct domestic bore wells for want of proper
maintenance.

7.0 AWARENESS & TRAINING ACTIVITY

Central Ground Water Board has organised Mass Awareness programme on

“Protection and Conservation of ground water” at Zilla Panchayat meeting hall,
Bellary on 10/03/2004. The program was inaugurated by Shri. S.N.Jayaram, IAS,
Deputy Commissioner, Bellary district. Shri. G.S. Shivaswamy, KAS, CEO, ZP,
Bellary presided over the function. Shri. Veeranna Joint Director, Depatment of
Mines and Geology (Northern Circle), Governmant Karnataka, and about 200
representatives from Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat and Educational institutions
were participated in the programme. As part of this programme, drawing competition
was organised for school children and certificates were distributed. Working models
of artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting were exhibited. Documentaries of
ARS and rainwater harvesting with case studies and quality of ground water were
shown.

8.0 AREAS NOTIFIED BY CGWA / SGWA

None of the taluks in the district are notified under CGWA / SGWA.

9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

The major problem in command areas of Bellary district is water logging. So

preventive measures/flush out excess irrigation water of water logging through
construction of drains along canal seepage paths, exploitation of ground water,
avoiding over irrigation to the crops, lining of canals, adoption of soil conservation
methods and recommended cropping patterns. Further it is to take adequate
measures to tap ground water in downstream through Jack wells/infiltration wells and
practicing conjunctive use would improve both water logging and quality in major part
of command areas. The state government has to speed up the projects on land
development/treating of balance un developed soil of 231408ha through watershed

23
development projects. Maintenance like desilting of surface water structures like
tanks in non command areas is must to recharge ground water. Judicious use of
ground water in command areas especially in Hadagali, H.B.Halli and Kudlugi taluks
is advised. Pilot experimental studies to recharge ground water in south and western
part of Bellary traluk, H.B.Halli, Kudlugi and Hadagali taluks are suggested. The
power cut /shortage/fluctuation is to be regulated through Electricity Board. The
Stage of ground water development is OE in Hadagali, H.B.Halli and parts of
Sirugppa 59%, and semi critical in H.Bhalli and Kudlugi taluk (32% & 50 %) demands
department like CGWB to construct pizometers up to 100m to monitor water levels
on long term basis and draw up check measures if there is decline in ground water
level and quality. The present management practices for irrigation such as
sprinklers, drip irrigation, underground channels etc., where the number of sprinklers
and drip irrigation structures is to be increased for optimum use of available
developed ground water depending upon cropping pattern. The villages located in
undulating topography of the district facing drinking water scarcity. Special source
finding projects may be taken up, and also construction of ARS, since these places
are having enough scope for implementing artificial recharge structures to augment
ground water. Some of the villages with satisfactory water supply system, facing
drinking water scarcity for want of mechanical maintenance of existing defunct bore
wells. So periodical checking of water supply system will improve the system
efficiently. In addition to this, the abandoned bore well/dug wells can be utilised for
recharging aquifers with surplus runoff during rainy days. Exploratory drilling in the
district beyond 90.00m bgl is limited which requires to be intensified to explore
deeper aquifers.

24
CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD
SOUTH WESTERN REGION,
27TH MAIN, 7TH CROSS, SECTOR I,
HSR LAYOUT, BANGALORE-560102
PH – 080-22586965 FAX – 080-22586940
VISIT US AT – cgwbswr.kar.nic.in