Karnataka drought action plan prepared: Dy CM Parameshwara

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said the state government has prepared an action plan to tackle a possible drought due to deficient rainfall and earmarked Rs 5 crore for each district to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water.

Warning that the situation could become “precarious” if rainfall remains deficient in July, he said almost all reservoirs in the state have reached dead storage due to poor rainfall. “We hope there will be good rainfall sometime in July,” he added.

Parameshwara, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, chaired a review meeting with deputy commissioners, zilla panchayat chief executive officers and assistant commissioners of the seven districts in the Belagavi division.

“An action plan has already been prepared at the state level and will be implemented by the deputy commissioners. An allocation of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked for each district to ensure drinking water supply,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said a separate action plan would be prepared for other works and projects, if required.

Noting that the government had reviewed issues affecting the Belagavi region, particularly those arising from below-normal rainfall this year, the deputy CM said necessary steps would be taken to address drinking water shortages and crop losses.

He said drought-like conditions were emerging in Belagavi district, increasing the likelihood of a drinking water crisis.

Rainfall during June in the seven districts of the Belagavi division was below normal, resulting in a decline in reservoir and groundwater levels, he added.

“If sufficient rainfall does not occur in the coming days, the situation could become one we have never faced before. The government has discussed precautionary measures, prepared an action plan and issued directions to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water,” he said.