Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil reviews drought and drinking water crisis in Yadgir

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Sunday (August 2, 2026) that the state government of Karnataka will finalize its decision on declaring drought in rain-deficient regions by the end of August. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he stated that the state has so far received 35% of the normal rainfall, which falls below the required threshold for adequate agricultural activity. He emphasized that the Revenue Department will compile a list of affected taluks using guidelines set by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). This process involves gathering reports from ministers, compiling data, and presenting the findings to the cabinet for final approval. The chief minister also noted that while catchment areas of the Cauvery and its tributaries have seen rainfall, districts such as Mandya, Mysuru, and Bengaluru remain dry. He further mentioned that he had requested additional time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has pledged to address the issue following the parliamentary session. The chief minister acknowledged challenges in coordinating with all political parties in previous discussions. The Karnataka government has begun releasing water from the Kabini Dam in response to recent rains, aiming to replenish the Cauvery River system. According to officials from the Water Resources Department, the release started on Saturday (August 1) and was initially expected to reach the Tamil Nadu border by Sunday (August 2) evening. However, due to slow movement through the dry riverbed, the water is now projected to arrive at the Mettur Dam by Monday (August 3) night or Tuesday (August 4). The initial release rate was 500 cubic feet per second (cusecs), increasing to 5,000 cusecs in the afternoon and reaching 25,000 cusecs by Saturday night. Officials explained that much of the water was absorbed by the parched riverbed, delaying its downstream journey. They anticipate continued releases of 25,000 cusecs for several days, estimating that a full day of such discharge would raise the Mettur Dam’s water level by approximately four feet. Once the reservoir reaches 90 feet, authorities plan to consider releasing water for delta irrigation. The KRS Dam in Karnataka, currently holding 20 tmc ft of water against its 49.45 tmc ft capacity, is expected to fill to capacity within ten days if the ongoing rainfall persists. This would allow surplus water to flow into the Mettur Dam, benefiting Tamil Nadu. In anticipation of potential weather disruptions, the Tamil Nadu government established an Expert Advisory Committee to evaluate the effects of a possible strong El Niño event. The committee, formed under the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, includes experts from academic institutions, research organizations, and environmental bodies. Its mandate encompasses monitoring rainfall patterns, identifying vulnerable regions, and advising on early warning systems and disaster mitigation strategies. The group will operate over two fiscal years, 2026–27 and 2027–28, and will be led by the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration. Members include specialists in climate change, hydraulics, and environmental management, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the impacts of El Niño. The committee aims to enhance preparedness for both drought and flood scenarios, providing actionable recommendations to safeguard communities and infrastructure. Meanwhile, political figures from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) conducted an inspection in Chamarajanagar village, located in Karnataka’s Bellary district, to assess the extent of crop damage caused by the prolonged dry spell. During their visit, they observed the condition of farmlands and engaged with local farmers to understand the economic and social repercussions of the drought. The inspection highlighted the urgent need for immediate relief measures, including financial assistance and improved access to irrigation facilities. While the exact number of affected households and the scale of losses were not disclosed, the visit underscored growing concerns among stakeholders about the long-term viability of agriculture in the region. Local representatives expressed hope that the anticipated rainfall and increased water releases from the Cauvery could alleviate some of the pressure on farmers. As the monsoon season progresses, the focus remains on balancing regional water resources and mitigating the risks associated with erratic weather patterns. The Karnataka government’s efforts to declare drought zones and coordinate with central authorities reflect the complexity of managing agricultural crises in a state prone to climatic variability. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government’s proactive formation of the advisory committee signals a commitment to scientific planning and adaptive governance in the face of climate uncertainties. With the possibility of further rainfall and the gradual filling of key reservoirs, there is cautious optimism that these measures may help stabilize the situation for affected communities. The coming weeks will determine whether these interventions can effectively bridge the gap between expectation and reality in the context of a challenging hydrological cycle.