Karnataka govt warns dry spell to continue this year

Faced with the deficit of rainfall and low water level in most reservoirs, Karnataka government yesterday warned about another year of a dry spell in the state.

 

"We have discussed about the rainfall in the state so far in the Cabinet, even meteorological department predictions are not favourable. There are chances, we may face a situation that is worse than last year," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra said.

 

Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting, he said, "We have to take precautionary measures, water in reservoirs should be used for drinking purpose only, and water should be provided for standing crops only if there is a severe necessity.

 

"During Irrigation Consultative Committee meeting farmers and the general public should be made aware of the water crisis that may occur on lesser prospects of good rains."

 

Karnataka last year witnessed its "worst" drought in recent times and the government had already declared 137 taluks as "drought-hit.

 

Pointing out to drinking water shortage, Jayachandra said that "water level in almost all the reservoirs in the state other than Narayanapura and Almatti are low". Narayanapura and Almatti reservoirs are full because of good rains in Maharashtra, other than that none of the catchment areas whether it is Cauvery or Krishna got good rains.

 

"Though in Harangi reservoir there is adequate water, but the overall situation is not good."

 

Government had last week said overall rainfall in the state till first week of August has been 503 mm against normal rainfall of 537mm, which is about six per cent less.

 

Warning of drinking water crisis, he also advised farmers to consider water and rain situation before they go for cropping. Various cabinet committees like the one drinking water among others have been asked to meet and review the situation and take necessary steps.

 

Karnataka cabinet has also cleared entrusting the work of re-circulation of water at world famous Jog falls to create all season water falls to M/s BRS Ventures Abudhabi.