Karnataka Faces Drought in 200 of 239 Taluks, CM Shivakumar Flags Power Crisis

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the state was preparing for worsening water and electricity shortages as a prolonged rainfall deficit has created drought-like conditions in nearly 200 of the state’s 239 taluks. The government has already declared 101 taluks drought-hit and is preparing to classify the remaining affected areas under guidelines issued by the central government. Shivakumar said the situation had affected agriculture, groundwater availability and water supplies across several parts of the state.

The deputy chief minister said crop losses had been extensive due to inadequate rainfall, while declining groundwater levels were putting additional pressure on drinking water sources. The state’s rainfall deficit has deepened during September, with Karnataka receiving only around 10 mm of rain against the normal 51 mm, representing an 81% shortfall, according to government data. The lack of adequate rainfall has increased concerns over the availability of water for households, agriculture and other essential requirements in the coming weeks.

Shivakumar also highlighted the growing pressure on the state’s power supply system. Peak electricity demand crossed 19,000 MW last week, forcing Karnataka to purchase power from outside sources at a cost of between ₹11 and ₹12 per unit. He said electricity consumption had increased, particularly during night hours, making the shortage more acute. Although the state’s electricity generation capacity had improved, additional power could still be procured from other states if necessary, though such purchases would involve an extra supply cost.

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Rainfall has remained below normal since the beginning of the monsoon season in June. Karnataka received 116 mm of rain in June against a normal of 199 mm, recording a deficit of 42%. In July, the state received 192 mm compared with the normal 271 mm, a shortfall of 29%. August recorded 169 mm against the normal 220 mm. The continuing deficit has affected reservoir levels and raised concerns about the state’s ability to meet both drinking water and irrigation requirements.

The water situation has also prompted the government to question directions concerning the release of Cauvery water. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara urged the Cauvery Water Management Authority to reconsider its directions to release water to Tamil Nadu, citing declining storage levels in Karnataka’s reservoirs. He said the Kabini dam’s storage had fallen below 50%, while the Harangi dam was also around half its capacity. The Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir had reached only about 55% to 60% of the level expected by the government.

Parameshwara said Karnataka had not refused to release water when supplies were adequate, but the present situation required the state to prioritise drinking water needs. He said the government had decided that available water should not be used for crops and should instead be conserved for domestic consumption. Shivakumar and Parameshwara’s statements underline the pressure facing Karnataka as the state manages simultaneous shortages in rainfall, electricity and reservoir storage while preparing for the possibility of worsening drought conditions.

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