Karnataka CM Shivakumar: No dam water for irrigation until rains improve

As the deficit monsoon has rendered large parts of Karnataka dry, the State government on Thursday announced that water from major reservoirs will not be released to irrigate crops, and has asked farmers to plan their agricultural activities accordingly. Ministers have been asked to tour districts to monitor the preparedness for drinking water.

“There has been zero inflow into several reservoirs across the State, including Tungabhadra, Almatti, Ghataprabha and Vani Vilas. In the Cauvery basin area, inflow into Krishnaraja Sagar, Hemavati and Kabini reservoirs is meagre compared to the corresponding period last year. Inflow into these reservoirs has fallen to 20% of the normal,” Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar told presspersons on Thursday.

“I appeal to farmers not to depend on water from reservoirs to irrigate crops. (Farmers should) Think about the rainfall before deciding on the crops. If we get rainfall, we will give water from the reservoirs,” he said.

Stating that the Centre has also issued an advisory to the State government over availability of water and power, he said that power generation from hydel sources will also be affected. “I have asked officials to keep enough stock of coal. The gas-based power generating station in (Yelahanka) Bengaluru will also be kept ready.”

Stating that the government is monitoring the drought situation in the State, Mr. Shivakumar said that he had asked the Ministers to visit two to three districts in the coming days to ascertain the impact of deficit rainfall and review the preparations. “I will also visit regional centres to review the situation.”