In view of the declining water levels in reservoirs due to inadequate monsoon rainfall this year, the Water Resources Department of the Government of Karnataka has appealed to farmers to reserve reservoir water exclusively for drinking purposes.
According to the department, the reduced inflow into reservoirs has raised concerns over the availability of drinking water for both people and livestock.
In accordance with the National Water Policy and the State Water Policy, drinking water is accorded the highest priority. Therefore, the water currently available in reservoirs must be conserved and used judiciously to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking water.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also warned of the possibility of below-normal rainfall in the coming days due to the El Nino effect, increasing the likelihood of drought conditions in several parts of the State. In view of the prevailing situation, the Chief Minister has advised farmers not to undertake cultivation by relying solely on reservoir water.
Considering these factors, the Regional Commissioner of Mysuru Division and Chairman of the Drinking Water Committee for Reservoir Projects has appealed to farmers to use the water currently available in the reservoirs under the Mysuru Division Drinking Water Project Committee exclusively for drinking purposes.
These reservoirs include Krishnarajasagar, Kabini, Harangi, Hemavathi, Bhadra, Nugu, Taraka, Suvarnavathi, Chiklihole, Gundal, Uduthorehalla, Patehole, and Yagachi.
Farmers have also been advised not to cultivate water-intensive crops dependent on reservoir water. Instead, they have been urged to take up rain-fed crops in accordance with the guidance provided by Agriculture Department officials, keeping in mind the seriousness of the prevailing water situation, the Regional Commissioner stated.
