Poor rain in Karnataka: Crops not to get water

Bengaluru: Considering the inadequate storage of water in state reservoirs especially in the Cauvery and Tungabhadra river basins despite the monsoon, the state government has decided not to release water for agricultural needs. This was announced by law and parliamentary affairs minister, T.B. Jayachandra on Wednesday.

As part of exigency plans, the government has directed all deputy commissioners not to allow sinking of borewells in their districts. The  government is also exploring the possibility of carrying out cloud seeding across the state at an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore, the minister said after the  Cabinet meeting.

Mr Jayachandra added that at present the situation may not warrant the lifting of dead storage water, below the critical level in reservoirs but it is surely grim  due to shortage of rainfall in Malnad, south and north interior regions.

“Overall the state has received six per cent less rainfall, while the coast has received 17 per cent less rain the deficit is  24 per cent  in Malnad. The situation is very critical in Malaprabha, Ghataprabha, Tungabhadra and Cauvery river basins. So we have decided not to release water for agriculture.”