With a weak monsoon forecast in most parts of Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday directed district administrations to go into preparedness mode, warning that any disruption in drinking water supply would invite direct accountability.
“Except five districts, a monsoon deficit is expected across the state. Except for five districts, a monsoon deficit is expected across the state,” the chief minister said after chairing a review meeting at Vidana Soudha with district in-charge ministers and senior officials. Deputy commissioners must take advance measures to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking water.”
Referring to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the government said that rainfall is likely to be below normal overall, with near-normal rains expected in August and less rainfall in September.
Sharpening the tone of responsibility, the Prime Minister said: “If there is any disruption in drinking water supply, the deputy commissioners concerned will be held responsible. Departments like revenue, panchayat raj and urban development should work in close coordination.”
The department has already identified 213 taluks and 2,410 gram panchayats at risk this summer. “At present, 114 taluks and 598 gram panchayats are facing drinking water shortage,” the statement noted, detailing the ongoing mitigation measures. Water is supplied to 137 villages through 129 tankers, while 585 private wells have been rented to cover 515 villages.
Urban areas are also under surveillance. As many as 27 urban local bodies are currently facing shortages, with another 95 indicated as vulnerable. Supplies are maintained in 145 wards by 57 tankers, along with 22 rented wells.
Seeking to check on the resources, Siddaramaiah said: “There is no shortage of funds for drinking water supply. Based on reports from the Deputy Commissioners, the Finance Ministry has already been instructed to release the necessary allocations.” Quantity of $Rs 419.50 crore is available to districts for immediate use.
The Prime Minister stressed that tanker supplies should remain a last resort. He added: “Takers should only be used in unavoidable circumstances. Priority should be given to renting private wells, and new wells can be drilled if necessary.”
Regarding the reservoir situation, the government said that 321.93 TMC of water is currently available in 14 major reservoirs – about 36% of the capacity – slightly lower than the 330.35 TMC recorded during the same period last year. “There is sufficient water at present for drinking purposes. However, its availability must be ensured till mid-July, as the onset of monsoon may be delayed,” Siddaramaiah said, directing officials to prioritize drinking water over irrigation.
The review also noted the possibility of more heatwave days between April and June, especially in north interior Karnataka.
“Weather warnings should be taken seriously and district administrations should guide local bodies on precautionary measures,” he said, adding that shade arrangements and drinking water should be ensured in public places.
To tighten response systems, the Prime Minister ordered the establishment of control rooms at taluk and ward levels. “Public complaints regarding drinking water must be addressed immediately. District-level task forces must remain active,” he said.
He also directed uninterrupted power supply to all RO units and spot repair mechanisms. “All RO units must operate 24/7. Teams must be deployed at the taluk level to address faults and ensure uninterrupted supply,” the statement said.
Beyond water, the Prime Minister warned of possible disruption to fertilizer supplies due to geopolitical tensions. “Steps should be taken to prevent hoarding by traders. Availability of urea and DAP to farmers should be ensured and movement to other states should be regulated through stricter controls,” he said.
He added that although the availability of fodder is currently sufficient due to good rainfall in recent years, officials must not rest content and must ensure continuous supplies.
