Severe staff shortage cripples KNNL's operations
The crisis is particularly acute in the engineering wing, with 159 out of 216 assistant engineer positions unfilled, placing a heavy burden on the remaining personnel.
KNNL oversees irrigation operations across six districts—Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Dharwad, Gadag, and Haveri—under Belagavi division. It manages major water infrastructure, including Almatti, Hidkal, Naviluteertha, Markandeya, and Hipparagi reservoirs, as well as the Rajapur, Dudhganga, and Kallol barrages.
Currently, the division is handling 31 active projects, which include 4 small irrigation projects, 7 ongoing lift irrigation schemes, 6 new lift irrigation projects, 8 pond-filling initiatives, and 6 other projects. The combined project value stands at Rs 13,866 crore, and additional proposals are under preparation, demanding a robust workforce.
According to departmental sources, the shortage of engineers is critically impacting operations.
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Of the 216 sanctioned assistant engineer posts, only 57 are working. The situation is similarly dire for junior engineers—97 of the 133 posts lie vacant, leaving just 36 officers on duty. The vacuum extends to senior positions as well, with 8 of 13 executive engineer posts vacant.
Other key vacancies include 17 out of 38 technical assistant posts and 15 out of 44 assistant executive engineers. medical officer, assistant chemical engineer, and assistant land scientist posts are also vacant.
Also, 268 out of 526 Group 'C' posts and 153 out of 337 Group 'D' posts are vacant.
Officials note that no recruitment has been done since 2019, despite KNNL regularly updating the govt on the vacancies. Recently, district minister Satish Jarkiholi expressed concern over the issue during a review meeting.
Speaking to The TOI, the chief engineer BR Rathore of KNNL said, "It is up to the govt to take a call on filling the vacant posts. We urgently need personnel at the grassroots level—especially watermen, legal staff for handling court and land acquisition cases, and more. The shortage is severely affecting our efficiency," Rathore said.
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