Karnataka could face severe shortages of drinking water and electricity in the coming weeks due to worsening drought conditions and persistently deficient monsoon rainfall. Groundwater levels have fallen sharply, and extensive crop damage has been reported. The state has already declared 101 taluks as drought-hit, with officials expecting more to be added as over 200 of Karnataka’s 239 taluks currently experience some degree of drought conditions. Every monsoon month since June has recorded below-normal rainfall, highlighted by an 81 percent deficit in September.
The strain on water resources is compounding pressure on the power sector, as peak evening electricity demand crossed 19,000 MW last week and forced the state to buy power at Rs 11 to 13 per unit. The government is exploring options such as boosting thermal power generation and drawing additional electricity from coal-producing states through the national grid. Additionally, the energy minister has been asked to coordinate with neighbouring states.
Drought declarations will be based strictly on rainfall and agricultural damage criteria rather than political considerations. The state has scheduled two days during a special legislative session later this month to discuss the drought’s impact on farmers, alongside a separate discussion on the Kasturirangan report’s proposals for the Western Ghats.