Sullia: It appears, there is change in the water cycle, with people experiencing February conditions during November end itself. Farmers are clueless on how to water the crops and save their yield whereas the common people are busy keeping tab on water resources which are gradually drying up.Farmers in Dakshina Kannada and adjoining Kasragod district are busy watering their areca and coconut plantations from available water resources. Some are using pump sets to draw underground water to save whatever is left of their paddy crops. The February month scenario has manifested during November- December itself.
Deficit rainfall is attributed to this situation wherein the taluk has received 25 percent less rainfall this year. The taluk received only 3500mm of rainfall as compared to the average of 4490mm with only 50mm rainfall in October as against the average of 363mm. Sullia taluk did not receive any rainfall during this month, compared to the regular average of 100 mm and most people are wishing that this is not an alarm of an imminent greater misery.
Plans are afoot to save water based on the advice of experts with no alternatives available to escape from the looming drought like situation. Soaring temperatures are a real concern with natural water resources like rivers and streams drying up in quick time.