Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has warned that the state could face shortages of drinking water and electricity as drought conditions worsen amid deficient rainfall.
Speaking to reporters in Kanakapura, Shivakumar said rainfall had declined significantly and groundwater levels had fallen sharply, while extensive crop losses were being reported across the state. He urged people to be “mentally prepared” for possible difficulties with water and power supply.
The warning comes as the state government prepares a detailed assessment of the drought situation and considers measures to protect drinking water supplies and meet rising electricity demand.
Over 200 taluks facing dry conditions
According to the Chief Minister, more than 200 of Karnataka’s 239 taluks are experiencing drought-like conditions. The state has already declared 101 taluks drought-hit in the first phase, while assessments are continuing in other affected areas based on the prescribed guidelines.
Shivakumar said the government was collecting reports from different parts of the state to prepare an accurate assessment before the Centre undertakes its evaluation.
He said the rainfall forecast had raised expectations of showers across Karnataka, but the expected widespread rainfall had not materialised. Some areas received limited rainfall, while several other parts continued to remain dry.
“Rainfall is declining too much,” Shivakumar said, while appealing to legislators not to panic or use the situation for political protests.
Drinking water supply a major concern
The decline in rainfall has also affected groundwater levels and water availability. Shivakumar said the government was making arrangements to ensure drinking water supplies as the drought situation develops.
The concern is particularly significant because rainfall shortages can affect both surface water reservoirs and groundwater sources, increasing pressure on drinking water systems in urban and rural areas.
The government is monitoring the situation and collecting ground-level information before deciding on further measures.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara has also raised concerns over reservoir levels and the need to protect water for drinking purposes. He said storage in Kabini had fallen below 50%, while Harangi was around half of its capacity and the Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir was around 55–60%.
Power demand crosses 19,000 MW
The drought situation is also creating concerns for Karnataka’s power supply.
Shivakumar said peak electricity demand crossed 19,000 MW last week. The state has had to purchase additional power from outside at elevated rates of around ₹11 to ₹12 per unit during periods of high demand.
The Chief Minister said electricity consumption had increased, particularly during night-time hours. Discussions have been held with Energy Minister K.J. George and officials on measures to address the situation.
The government is also considering procuring additional electricity from other states if necessary. Karnataka can access electricity generated elsewhere through the national grid, although this would involve additional supply and transmission costs.
Government preparing drought report
The state government is preparing a comprehensive report on the drought situation. Shivakumar said reports from some areas had already been received, while assessments in the remaining areas were under preparation.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of ensuring that the report accurately reflects conditions on the ground before the Centre carries out its assessment.
The government is also examining crop losses and the impact of declining groundwater levels on agriculture.
The drought situation has raised concerns among farmers, particularly in areas where rainfall has been insufficient for sowing or has resulted in crop damage.
Special Assembly session to discuss drought
The Karnataka government has convened a special session of the state legislature from September 21 to 23. Farmers’ concerns and the emerging drought situation are expected to be among the issues discussed during the session.
Shivakumar said the government would consider further measures after reviewing reports and discussing the situation with farmers and other stakeholders.
The state Cabinet is also scheduled to meet in Mangaluru on September 18, where several issues concerning farmers and the wider state are expected to come up for discussion.
CM urges political parties not to exploit situation
Shivakumar appealed to MLAs not to panic and urged political parties not to use the drought situation for political purposes.
He said the government was more concerned about the situation than anyone else and needed accurate information before taking decisions.
The Chief Minister’s warning about possible water and power shortages has nevertheless highlighted the seriousness of Karnataka’s rainfall deficit. With groundwater levels falling, crop losses mounting and electricity demand remaining high, the state faces challenges on multiple fronts.
The government is now focusing on drought assessment, drinking water arrangements, additional power procurement and discussions with farmers as Karnataka prepares for what could be a difficult period ahead.