Bengaluru: Karnataka is staring at a potential water stress year with forecasts of a below-normal monsoon across most regions, prompting the govt to activate contingency measures and tighten accountability among district administrations.Citing inputs from the India Meteorological Department, chief minister Siddaramaiah said Thursday that barring five districts, much of the state is likely to face a deficit monsoon. “Below-normal rainfall is expected this year, with normal rain likely only in Aug and reduced rainfall again in Sept,” he said while chairing a review meeting at Vidhana Soudha on drinking water supply in rural and urban areas.The early warning has sharpened focus on water management, particularly as the state prepares for a delayed monsoon onset. Officials have advised conserving available water resources at least until mid-July.Data presented at the meeting flagged emerging stress across large parts of the state. As many as 213 taluks and 2,410 gram panchayats have been identified as vulnerable to drinking water shortages this summer. Of these, 114 taluks and 598 gram panchayats are already in distress. Officials of the revenue and RDPR departments said 137 of the affected gram panchayats are currently dependent on tanker supply, while 515 have some form of water provision in place.The impact is uneven but significant across districts. The worst-affected regions include Kalaburagi with 147 gram panchayats under stress, followed by Tumakuru (141), Haveri (138), Mandya (130), Belagavi (127), Uttara Kannada (125) and Bagalkot (114).Urban areas are also under strain. As many as 95 urban local bodies are facing drinking water shortages, with 27 already in a serious crisis. The govt has deployed 57 tankers supplying water to 145 wards, while 22 borewells have been taken on rent to supplement the supply.Storage levels in dams offer limited comfort. The state’s 14 major reservoirs currently hold 322 tmc ft of water, marginally lower than 330 tmc ft recorded at the same time last year.Seeking to enforce accountability, Siddaramaiah pointed to available funds and warned officials against lapses.“There is Rs 419 crore available in the PD accounts of deputy commissioners. They will be held responsible if there is any shortage of drinking water,” the CM warned.——–——BlurbStorage levels in dams offer limited comfort. The state’s 14 major reservoirs currently hold 322 tmc ft of water, marginally lower than 330 tmc ft recorded at the same time last yearPhoto: Water crisisPhoto credit: File picCaption: As many as 213 taluks have been identified as vulnerable to drinking water shortages this summer
