Karna govt warns of another year of dry spell in state

Bengaluru, Aug 17 (PTI) Faced with deficit of rainfall andlow water level in most reservoirs, Karnataka government todaywarned about another year of dry spell in the state. "We have discussed about the rainfall in the state so farin the Cabinet, even meteorological department predictions arenot favourable. There are chances, we may face a situationthat is worse than last year," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra said. Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting, he said,"We have to take precautionary measures, water in reservoirsshould be used for drinking purpose only, and water should beprovided for standing crops only if there is severe necessity. "During Irrigation Consultative Committee meeting farmersand general public should be made aware of the water crisisthat may occur on lesser prospects of good rains." Karnataka last year witnessed its "worst" drought inrecent times and the government had already declared 137 taluks as "drought hit". Pointing out to drinking water shortage, Jayachandra said"water level in almost all the reservoirs in the state otherthan Narayanapura and Almatti are low". Narayanapura andAlmatti reservoirs are full because of good rains inMaharashtra, other than that none of the catchment areaswhether it is Cauvery or Krishna got good rains. "Though in Harangi reservoir there is adequate water, butthe overall situations is not good." Government had last week said overall rainfall in thestate till first week of August has been 503 mm against normalrainfall of 537mm, which is about six per cent less. Warning of drinking water crisis, he also advised farmersto consider water and rain situation before they go forcropping. Various cabinet committees like the one drinkingwater among others have been asked to meet and review thesituation and take necessary steps. Karnataka cabinet has also cleared entrusting the work ofre-circulation of water at world famous Jog falls to createall season water falls to M/s BRS Ventures Abudhabi. (MORE)PTI KSU RA RCZMN