Parts of Karnataka are likely to face drinking water shortages this summer, with many areas already under stress, according to a report by the state-level weather monitoring committee.
The report estimates that 207 taluks may face water scarcity in the coming months, while 60 taluks have already been affected. At the village level, 2,258 gram panchayats have been identified as vulnerable, including 212 districts currently facing acute shortage.
The report stated that the impact is concentrated in certain areas. Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, Kalaburagi and Tumakuru account for the largest number of affected taluks. At the gram panchayat level, Kalaburagi has the highest number of affected local bodies, followed by Uttara Kannada, Haveri, Mandya and Belagavi. “The authorities have begun mitigation efforts, deploying four government tankers and 56 private tankers to supply water in the affected areas. In addition, 270 private wells have been commissioned, supplying water to 246 villages,” an official familiar with the developments said.
Officials warned that conditions could worsen as temperatures are expected to remain above normal between March and May. Interior north Karnataka and parts of the south, including Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural and Bengaluru Urban, are likely to witness a three- to six-day heatwave.
Weather patterns later in the year can increase pressure. According to the report, El Niño conditions are expected to develop between June and September, with a 62% chance of continuing until the end of 2026. The state is also at risk of prolonged dry spells during the monsoon months of July and August, especially in the Krishna and Cauvery river basins, which could result in less than normal rainfall.
Recent weather-related incidents have already caused damage. From March 15 to 23, five people died due to lightning strikes in Bidar, Gadag, Koppal, Raichur and Vijayanagar districts. One death was reported due to the collapse of a house or wall in Belagavi district.
The same period witnessed the loss of 16 large animals and 116 small animals in several areas.
Crop damage was recorded over an area of over 1,700.33 hectares, affecting crops like jaggery, wheat, sugarcane and rice in districts including Bagalkot, Ballari, Belagavi, Chamarajanagar and Chitradurga.
Experts have warned that reduced rainfall and higher temperatures may lead to a decline in agricultural production, increasing pressure on farmers. Water scarcity may also push wildlife closer to human settlements, while prolonged heat and water shortages can contribute to a rise in waterborne diseases.
