The Karnataka government on Thursday urged citizens to avoid wastage of water as the state faces a monsoon deficit of 22% this year. Minister for Water Resources Govind Karjol, addressing the media in Bengaluru, stated that while the situation is serious, there is no shortage of funds to ensure water supply across the state.
Monsoon Deficit and Water Levels
Karnataka has recorded a 22% deficit in monsoon rainfall compared to the normal average. This has led to lower water levels in major reservoirs, including the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam, which is a primary source of drinking water for Bengaluru and surrounding regions. As of Thursday, the KRS dam held 27.45 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water against its full capacity of 49.45 tmcft, marking a shortfall of nearly 45%.
Karjol said the government is closely monitoring the situation and has released water from other reservoirs to meet demand. He added that the Cauvery Water Management Authority has been directed to regulate water releases efficiently.
Government Measures and Funding
The minister assured that the government has allocated sufficient funds for water supply projects. “There is no shortage of funds. We have released Rs 1,200 crore for drinking water projects in rural areas and Rs 800 crore for urban areas,” Karjol said. He also mentioned that the government has set up a task force to oversee water management and prevent wastage.
Karjol appealed to citizens to use water judiciously and avoid activities like washing cars with hoses or letting taps run. “Every drop counts. We need the cooperation of the public to manage this deficit,” he said.
Impact on Agriculture and Drinking Water
The deficit has raised concerns among farmers, especially in the Cauvery basin, who depend on reservoir releases for irrigation. The government has assured that drinking water will be prioritized over irrigation if the situation worsens. Karjol said that the government is prepared to supply water through tankers in areas facing acute shortage.
He also urged industries to recycle water and minimize usage. The government has directed local bodies to implement water conservation measures, including rainwater harvesting and repair of leaking pipelines.
Long-term Solutions
Karjol highlighted that the government is working on long-term solutions such as interlinking of rivers and building new reservoirs. He said that the Mekedatu project, which aims to provide additional drinking water to Bengaluru, is progressing and will be completed in phases.
The minister concluded by stating that the government will take strict action against those found wasting water. “We will impose fines and even cut off supply for repeat offenders,” he warned.
