26 Karnataka districts are at risk of a drinking water crisis due to forecasts of below-normal monsoons. According to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, districts have received notice to be prepared for and accountable for their own response to drought conditions. As rainfall is expected to be below normal across most of Karnataka, the likelihood of continued drought conditions will increase over the next couple of months, especially in rural communities.

What Are the Key Risk Indicators Behind the Looming Water Crisis?

• Forecasted sub-average monsoon: As per the forecasts made by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there would be less rainfall throughout the year. Only in August is normal rainfall predicted, while in September, rainfall would be even less.
• Large number of vulnerable regions: A total of 213 taluks and 2,410 gram panchayats are at risk due to the water crisis. More alarmingly, 114 taluks and 598 gram panchayats are already facing water stress, pointing towards an escalated crisis.
• Reduced storage in reservoirs: The current water level in Karnataka’s 14 major reservoirs is 321.93 tmcft, making up only 36% of the total capacity of the reservoirs, compared to 330.35 tmcft last year at the same time.
• Increased temperature leading to heatwaves: Extreme heat is expected to prevail in the northern interior districts between April and June, which would mean a higher water evaporation rate and increased water demand. Research suggests that urban areas face increased water demand in the range of 15-20% in the event of heatwaves.

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How Is the Government Responding to the Emerging Water Shortage?

• Financial readiness: The government has provided ₹419.5 crore from district-wise accounts for drinking water management, and therefore, no shortage is anticipated at this stage.
• Temporary supply solutions: Water supply to 137 villages via 129 tankers has already started, while water from 585 privately-owned borewells is being provided to 515 villages.
• Extent of the crisis: At present, 27 urban local bodies are experiencing a shortage of water; however, 95 more could soon experience the same crisis.
• Government responsibility: Deputy Commissioners have been assigned the task of assuring a continuous supply of water, and monitoring will be conducted on a departmental level, such as revenue, rural development, and urban development.

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What Long-Term Challenges and Preventive Measures Are Critical?

Compounding elements of this crisis exist, such as groundwater depletion, erratic rainfall distribution, and rising urban demand. According to NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index, approximately 600 million individuals throughout India are experiencing moderate-to-severe water stress; however, states like Karnataka are vulnerable to extreme actions due to irregular distribution of available precipitation (rain/snow) and over-reliance on their own groundwater sources.

Currently, there are adequate water reserves to meet the population’s needs in the state; however, should rainfall continue to decline, conditions will worsen within a short period. 26 Karnataka districts are at risk of a drinking water crisis, which provides an urgent call for authorities to take proactive steps to prevent a catastrophic event related to a potential drinking water emergency through good governance, responsive management of existing water resources, and cooperation with the community in efforts to reduce the probability of a large-scale drinking water shortage.

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