Rain deficit possible after June-July in Karnataka: Cabinet panel

Bengaluru: The state is expecting normal showers during June-July followed by the possibility of a rainfall deficiency, especially in North Karnataka, the Cabinet sub-committee on disaster management said on Tuesday.

“North Karnataka is likely to face a higher rainfall deficit. Coastal regions are expected to experience higher-than-normal temperatures this summer. The intensity of heatwaves will increase in North Karnataka,” Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who heads the Cabinet sub-committee, said in a statement.

During the pre-monsoon period, 17 districts received excess rainfall, five got above-normal rainfall, six saw normal rainfall and three had a deficit. 

“La Niña conditions are expected to turn neutral in the coming months. It’s likely to remain neutral until May–July. La Niña conditions are expected to re-emerge between June and August and continue until the end of the year,” Gowda said.

During summer, drinking water shortage may arise in parts of 207 taluks.

“Of these, 60 taluks are already facing water scarcity. Officials have been instructed to take precautionary measures to supply drinking water through tankers. Strict instructions have been given to ensure there is no disruption in drinking water supply,” Gowda said.