Shivamogga: Water resources minister Ramalinga Reddy on Sunday said that rainfall deficiency in June was the lowest in the state’s history in 150 years of recorded history. While he asked the farmers to cooperate with the state govt to tackle the situation, he assured the public that there is enough water reserved in dams to sustain drinking supplies for the next three to four months.Reddy visited Bhadra dam near Lakkavalli on the border of Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts and inspected the dam’s crest gates. He also reviewed water availability and surveyed the Upper Bhadra Project.Speaking to reporters, the minister highlighted that the Bhadra dam serves as a lifeline for irrigation and drinking water across five key districts in central Karnataka. This dam is the primary source of drinking water for central Karnataka, and all existing water will strictly be reserved for drinking purposes, and officials have been instructed accordingly, he said.Reddy appealed to the farming community to cooperate with the govt, advising them strictly not to sow crops early if they are relying solely on dam water.He expressed his displeasure regarding the Union govt’s pending financial commitments towards the Upper Bhadra Project. Though the Union govt declared it as a national project, and Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharamana announced a Rs 5,300-crore grant in the budget, it has not granted funds. The Karnataka govt has already spent over Rs 12,000 crore of its own funds on the project, he said.He said that while the Mahadayi project still requires five critical clearances from the forest department, the Upper Krishna Project notification is facing legal blockades.Cabinet expansion soon: ReddySenior minister Ramalinga Reddy said CM DK Shivakumar could change portfolios of some ministers after expanding the ministry. He stated that the cabinet expansion and reshuffle must happen, and it is expected to take place before the upcoming legislative assembly session. It could materialise as early as this week or by next week.When asked whether he expected a portfolio change or if he is satisfied with the water resources department, the minister laughed it off, saying, “Please do not ask me anything about my portfolio change.”
