No water from dams to irrigate crops unless rains improve, says CM DK Shivakumar

As a deficient monsoon left large parts of Karnataka dry, the state government on Thursday announced that water from major reservoirs would not be released to irrigate crops and asked farmers to plan their farming activities accordingly. Ministers have been asked to tour the districts and monitor the readiness of drinking water.

“Several reservoirs across the state saw zero inflow, including Tungabhadra, Almatti, Ghataprabha and Vani Vilas. In the Cauvery basin, the inflow into Krishnaraja Sagar, Hemavati and Kabini reservoirs is meagre compared to the corresponding period last year. Inflow into these reservoirs on Thursday fell to 20% of normal,” Minister Chiefkumar told the press on Thursday.

“I am appealing to farmers not to depend on water from reservoirs to irrigate crops. (Farmers should) Think about rainfall before deciding on crops. If it rains, we will give water from reservoirs.”

Stating that the center has also issued recommendations to the state government regarding availability of water and electricity, he said generation of electricity from hydel sources would also be affected. “I have asked the officials to maintain adequate coal stock. The gas-fired power plant at (Yelahanka) Bengaluru will also be kept on standby.”

Ministers to visit districts

Stating that the government is monitoring the drought situation in the state, Mr. Shivakumar said he has asked the ministers to visit two to three districts in the coming days to ascertain the impact of deficient rainfall and review preparations. “I will also visit the regional centers to assess the situation.

Published – 03 Jul 2026 01:47 IST