Karnataka gearing up to tackle power, water crisis: Shivakumar

Karnataka prepares for sharper water and electricity strain as rain deficit widens

Indiadailyupdate.com – Karnataka is drawing up measures to manage mounting pressure on drinking-water supplies and electricity availability after an extended shortfall in monsoon rainfall pushed much of the state towards drought-like conditions. D K Shivakumar said the government was preparing for a more difficult period as weak rains, crop damage and falling groundwater levels affect both rural and urban needs.

The state has identified drought conditions across a large part of Karnataka. Of its 239 taluks, around 200 are facing drought-like circumstances. The government has already declared 101 taluks drought-hit and intends to assess the remaining affected areas under central guidelines.

The rainfall shortage has persisted throughout the monsoon season. In June, Karnataka received 116 mm of rainfall against a normal 199 mm, leaving a 42% gap. July recorded 192 mm compared with the usual 271 mm, a deficit of 29%. August brought 169 mm, below the normal 220 mm.

September has added to the concern. The state received only about 10 mm of rain against a seasonal norm of 51 mm, an 81% shortfall. With rain failing to replenish reservoirs, soil moisture and groundwater as expected, the impact is being felt in agriculture as well as household water planning.

Power demand rises as supplies tighten

Electricity demand has also risen at a time when water availability is under stress. Karnataka’s peak requirement crossed 19,000 MW last week, requiring the state to purchase power at rates ranging from ₹11 to ₹12 per unit.

“Total power usage has grown due to increased consumption during night hours,” Shivakumar said.

While Karnataka has strengthened its own power-generation capacity, Shivakumar said the state could procure additional electricity from elsewhere if the situation demands it. Such purchases, however, would come with added supply costs and could increase the financial burden of meeting demand during the shortage.

“Irrespective of which state generates power, it can be supplied to Karnataka. However, this will have a supply cost. A meeting was held recently with energy minister KJ George and officials about the issue,” he said.

The government’s focus is therefore not limited to immediate electricity procurement. It also involves planning for sustained demand, particularly as night-time consumption increases and rainfall conditions remain uncertain. The combination of weaker hydrological conditions and expensive market purchases has made energy management a key part of the state’s broader response.

Reservoir levels raise concern over Cauvery releases

Water storage in major Cauvery basin reservoirs has become central to Karnataka’s concerns. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara urged the Cauvery Water Management Authority to reconsider directions on releasing water, arguing that the state must safeguard supplies for drinking purposes as reservoir levels decline.

He pointed to the position at Kabini, Harangi and Krishnaraja Sagar reservoirs, which are important for water needs in the region. Kabini’s storage had already slipped below 50% of capacity, while Harangi was also at around half-full. Krishnaraja Sagar had not reached the expected level and stood at roughly 55% to 60%.

“Today, the storage in Kabini dam is already below 50 per cent, while Harangi dam has also fallen to around half of its capacity. Krishnaraja Sagar dam too has not reached the level we had expected and is around 55 to 60%,” Parameshwara said.

The concern is not merely about current reservoir levels but about how long the available water must last. When monsoon rainfall is below normal for several months, authorities must weigh irrigation requirements against the need to maintain dependable drinking-water reserves for towns, villages and cities.

Parameshwara said Karnataka had released water when supplies were sufficient, but the current storage position required a more cautious approach. The government has decided that available water should be conserved for drinking needs rather than used for crops.

“When the situation is like this, how can we release water? The government has already decided that water should not be used for crops and should instead be conserved for drinking purposes,” the minister said.

Crop losses and groundwater decline add to pressure

For farmers, the rainfall deficit has already translated into extensive crop losses. Reduced rainfall affects standing crops directly, while lower groundwater levels can limit the ability to draw water when surface supplies are inadequate. The drought classification process is expected to shape the state’s response across the affected taluks.

The situation also underlines the close connection between rainfall, agriculture, reservoirs and electricity. Poor monsoon performance can shrink water availability, heighten the need to protect drinking-water stocks and complicate power planning as demand rises. Karnataka’s preparations are aimed at managing those overlapping pressures while the state monitors rainfall and storage conditions in the coming weeks.