Karnataka’s Chief Minister warned of severe water and electricity shortages ahead
Shivakumar said more than 200 of Karnataka’s 239 taluks were reeling under drought. The state has already declared 101 taluks drought-hit, with 25 more likely to be added to that list based on Union govt norms. The state had to buy power for around Rs 13 per unit during the evening peak hours, Shivakumar said, adding that the govt was exploring higher thermal generation and drawing electricity from coal-producing states through the One Nation, One Grid system, though this would involve transmission costs. He also announced the state cabinet would hold its first meeting in the coastal region, at Dakshina Kannada, on Sept 18.
Speaking during a visit to his home constituency of Kanakapura, Shivakumar said groundwater levels had fallen sharply, and extensive crop damage had been reported amid deficient rainfall.
“There could be a severe shortage of drinking water and electricity,” he cautioned. “I have told our energy minister KJ George to discuss this and speak to neighbouring states about what needs to be done,” he said. BENGALURU: Karnataka could face a severe shortage of drinking water and electricity in the coming days as drought conditions worsen across the state, chief minister DK Shivakumar warned Monday, asking people to be mentally prepared for tough times ahead.