From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 18: Even before the end of South-West monsoon, which covers most parts of Karnataka, and the deficit rainfall as well as water levels in most of the reservoirs in the State remaining alarmingly low, the State faces an imminent drought like situation during the current year.

The State Cabinet, which met in Bengaluru with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the chair on Wednesday, took stock of the prevailing situation in the State and discussed at length an alarming water level situation at various dams in the State.

The State Cabinet also asked cabinet sub-committees related to agriculture, drinking water and other subjects to prepare contingency plans to face the crisis that could arise in coming days.

The monsoon failure is almost certain to create drinking water problems as well adversely affect the foodgrains production target of 130 lakh tonnes for the current year.

"The low level of storage of water in our reservoirs in Cauvery and Tungabhadra basins leave no scope for releasing water for agriculture," Karnataka’s Law and Parliamentary Affairs minister T B Jayachandra told reporters while briefing reporters on the decisions taken at the cabinet meeting.

Plans are being drawn up for judicious use of available water in the reservoirs, he said.

The minister made it clear that it would not be possible for the State to release water for crops unless rains are received before end of August.

With the exception of Almatti and Naryanapura dams, none of the reservoirs have filled to the brim. The available water in reservoirs of Cauvery basin would be reserved for meeting drinking water needs, Jayachandra said.

"The situation is very grim and we are keeping our fingers crossed," he said.