Shivakumar warns of water, power shortage as Karnataka drought worsens

The brief

Context

Karnataka is facing a worsening drought after a weak southwest monsoon, with rainfall below normal in every month from June onwards. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, speaking to reporters in Kanakapura, warned of likely water and power shortages, extensive crop loss and falling groundwater levels. The state has already declared 101 taluks drought-hit and says more than 200 of its 239 taluks are affected. A special session of the Assembly has been announced to discuss drought and the Kasturirangan report.

Key facts

• CM D K Shivakumar said Monday that water and power shortages are likely as drought worsens due to deficient rainfall.
• Peak power demand in Karnataka surged in excess of 19,000 MW last week.
• The state is forced to procure power at Rs 11-12 per unit; total usage has grown due to increased night-hour consumption.
• More than 200 of Karnataka's 239 taluks are facing drought; 101 taluks have already been declared drought-hit.
• All affected taluks would be declared drought-hit based on Central government guidelines, the CM said.
• A special session of the Assembly will be held from September 21 to 23 on drought and implementation of the Kasturirangan report.
• September rainfall was 10 mm against a normal of around 51 mm, an 81 per cent deficit (Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre data).
• Monthly deficits: June 116 mm against normal 199 mm (42 per cent); July 192 mm against 271 mm (29 per cent); August 169 mm against 220 mm.

Timeline

1. JuneKarnataka received 116 mm rainfall against a normal of 199 mm, a 42 per cent deficit.
2. JulyRainfall of 192 mm against an average of 271 mm, a 29 per cent deficit.
3. AugustRainfall of 169 mm against an average of 220 mm.
4. September (till reporting)Only 10 mm rainfall against a normal of around 51 mm, an 81 per cent deficit.
5. Last week (before the statement)Peak power demand crossed 19,000 MW, forcing power purchases at Rs 11-12 per unit.
6. RecentlyA meeting was held with Energy Minister K J George and officials on the power supply issue.
7. MondayShivakumar, speaking in Kanakapura, warned of water and power shortages and extensive crop loss.
8. September 21-23Special Assembly session scheduled on drought and the Kasturirangan report.

Who has a stake

• Karnataka government / CM D K Shivakumar — Must manage drought declaration, power procurement costs and relief while facing water and electricity shortfalls.
• Farmers of Karnataka — Extensive crop loss across the state and depleting groundwater threaten incomes and irrigation.
• Energy Minister K J George and power utilities — Have to meet peak demand above 19,000 MW, including costly purchases at Rs 11-12 per unit.
• Central government — Its guidelines determine which taluks can be declared drought-hit, shaping relief eligibility.
• Karnataka Legislative Assembly — Will debate drought response and implementation of the Kasturirangan report in the September 21-23 special session.
• Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre — Provides the rainfall deficit data underpinning drought assessment.

Why it matters

A monsoon failure of this scale hits both farm livelihoods and the power grid at once: falling groundwater raises drinking water and irrigation risk, while peak demand above 19,000 MW pushes the state into buying electricity at Rs 11-12 a unit. With over 200 of 239 taluks affected, drought declaration under Central guidelines decides the flow of relief. The special Assembly session also ties drought to the contentious Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats.