'Prioritise drinking water': Karnataka govt to officials as shortage looms amid delayed monsoon warning

Bengaluru: While Karnataka is reeling under a cruel summer, the state government Thursday warned of a delayed and deficit monsoon with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directing officials to prioritise water for drinking over irrigation.

“The India Meteorological Department has forecast below-normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon this year. While August may see normal rainfall, September is expected to receive less rain,” Siddaramaiah said at a meeting where he reviewed the situation with his ministers and deputy commissioners.

According to the government, 22 districts are likely to receive 'below normal' rainfall during the June-September period.

“With the monsoon likely to be delayed, officials were directed to ensure adequate water availability in reservoirs until mid-July and to prioritise drinking water over irrigation,” Siddaramaiah said, according to a statement from his office.

Siddaramaiah also noted that most districts in North Interior Karnataka are likely to experience more heatwaves than usual between April and June. “District administrations must plan precautionary measures accordingly and take weather forecasts seriously,” he said.

A total of 213 taluks and 2,410 gram panchayats face the threat of drinking water shortages this summer. At present, 114 taluks and 598 gram panchayats are already experiencing shortages, the CM said. “Drinking water is being supplied to 137 villages through 129 tankers. Additionally, 585 private borewells have been hired to supply water to 515 villages,” he said.

Kalaburagi (147 gram panchayats), Bagalkot (114), Belagavi (127), Chikkamagaluru (115), Haveri (138), Mandya (130), Tumakuru (141) and Uttara Kannada (125) districts are likely to face a drinking water problem.

Currently, 27 urban local bodies are facing drinking water shortages, and 95 more have been identified as vulnerable. Water is being supplied to 145 wards through 57 tankers, and 22 borewells have been taken on lease, the government said.

Deputy commissioners have Rs 419.5 crore to ensure drinking water supply, Siddaramaiah said and directed officials to also arrange shade for citizens. He warned that deputy commissioners would be held responsible for any disruption in water supply.

Officials were instructed to respond promptly to public complaints regarding drinking water and to set up control rooms at the taluk and ward levels.

The West Asia war may affect fertilizer supply, Siddaramaiah said, and asked officials to prevent hoarding by traders and ensure timely availability to farmers.