Bengaluru: Karnataka is staring at a widening water and agricultural crisis, with 175 of the state’s 240 taluks recording a rainfall deficit, including 14 classified as facing a severe deficit, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara told the Legislative Assembly on Monday.

Presenting the state government’s assessment of the drought situation, Parameshwara, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, said Karnataka had received only 454 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 24, against the expected 654 mm during the period. This translates into an overall 31% rainfall deficit.

The shortfall has been widespread, although its intensity varies across regions. South Interior Karnataka has recorded the highest deficit at 41%, followed by Malnad at 35%, North Interior Karnataka at 31% and the coastal region at 24%.

More worrying for the state, weather forecasts indicate that rainfall is likely to remain deficient through the remaining days of August and into September, suggesting that the current water stress could persist well into the coming weeks.

Sowing falls significantly short of target

The poor rainfall has also begun to reflect on agricultural activity.

The government had expected sowing to be completed across 84.10 lakh hectares by August 14. However, farmers had managed to complete sowing on only about 60 lakh hectares, representing roughly 71% of the targeted area.

The situation is compounded by growing pressure on groundwater resources. According to Parameshwara, 132 taluks are currently experiencing severe groundwater stress, with the situation potentially worsening if the anticipated rainfall shortfall continues.

The government, he said, has initiated programmes aimed at replenishing and augmenting groundwater resources while urging people to treat water conservation as an immediate priority.

Drinking water supply under pressure

The rainfall deficit has already translated into drinking water challenges in several parts of the state.

According to the government’s statement, drinking water is currently being supplied through 149 tankers to 758 villages. In addition, water is being supplied to 114 wards of local bodies facing shortages.

Parameshwara said the government had released Rs 117 crore to 31 districts to address drinking water requirements. Rural constituencies have also been provided Rs 1 crore each, involving an additional allocation of Rs 189 crore.

This takes the government’s total expenditure on drinking water arrangements to Rs 306 crore.

“There is no shortage of funds to deal with the drought situation,” Parameshwara said, reiterating that the government was prepared to meet the emerging challenges.

Government seeks MLAs’ cooperation

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government was closely monitoring the drought situation and had taken the emerging water crisis seriously.

He also appealed to legislators to cooperate with the government in managing the situation, particularly by encouraging groundwater conservation and ensuring that drinking water needs are addressed on priority.

With rainfall forecasts pointing to continued deficiency through August and September, the coming weeks are likely to be crucial for Karnataka’s agricultural prospects, groundwater reserves and drinking water security.