Low rainfall, reduced sowing and declining reservoir levels raise concerns across Bengaluru division as dry conditions persist
Karnataka is witnessing a worsening rainfall deficit, with 37 taluks in the Bengaluru division experiencing severe drought-like conditions for three consecutive weeks. Officials say 57 taluks have recorded less than 75% sowing, while reservoir levels remain below capacity despite the IMD forecasting moderate rainfall over the next 15 days.
Bengaluru: Karnataka is facing a growing rainfall deficit, with 37 taluks in the Bengaluru division witnessing severe drought-like conditions after receiving significantly below-normal rainfall for three consecutive weeks. Officials have warned that if the rainfall situation does not improve by the end of July, the number of severely affected taluks across the state could rise to nearly 100.
According to the Revenue Department, prolonged dry weather has affected agricultural activities, reduced soil moisture and lowered water storage in major reservoirs, raising concerns over the ongoing Kharif season.
Karnataka Rainfall Deficit Affects 37 Taluks
Officials said 43 of the 57 taluks in the Bengaluru division fall under the severe rainfall deficiency category. Of these, 37 taluks have experienced very low rainfall or prolonged dry conditions for the past three weeks.
The Bengaluru division comprises Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Davanagere and Shivamogga districts.
"If rainfall does not improve by the end of July, the number of drought-affected taluks in Karnataka could increase to around 100."
Sowing Activity Remains Below Normal
According to official data, sowing has remained below 75% in all 57 taluks of the Bengaluru division. Soil moisture has also declined considerably in 52 taluks, with 28 of them recording severe moisture deficiency.
The shortage of rainfall has slowed crop growth and increased concerns among farmers dependent on monsoon rains for cultivation.
Reservoir Water Storage Remains Below Capacity
The state government said water availability in Karnataka's major reservoirs continues to remain below normal.
Current data shows that:
- Major reservoirs are at 48% of their total storage capacity.
- Hydropower reservoirs have 30% storage.
- Cauvery basin reservoirs have 54% storage.
- Krishna basin reservoirs have 59% storage.
Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department, Manoj Kumar Meena, said the situation could improve if the India Meteorological Department's forecast of moderate rainfall over the next 15 days materialises.
"The situation may improve if Karnataka receives the moderate rainfall forecast by the IMD during the next two weeks," officials said.
Rainfall Activity Declines Across Karnataka
The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) reported that rainfall activity has weakened across much of the state.
Only 22% of Karnataka recorded rainfall of 2.5 mm or more during the past 24 hours.
Among the highest rainfall recorded:
- Madamaki village in Udupi district received 99.5 mm.
- Neriya village in Dakshina Kannada district recorded 94.5 mm.
Officials also stated that reduced rainfall over the Western Ghats has resulted in lower inflows into several reservoirs across Karnataka.
Authorities Continue Monitoring the Situation
Revenue Department officials said the state government is closely monitoring rainfall patterns, reservoir inflows and agricultural conditions.
Further decisions regarding drought assessment and relief measures are expected after reviewing rainfall data over the coming days. Authorities remain hopeful that the forecast of moderate rainfall will improve soil moisture, reservoir storage and sowing conditions across affected regions.
