Karnataka faces drought-like crisis: Parameshwara flags water, fodder emergency
Synopsis
Karnataka's reservoirs have hit dead storage levels, forcing the state to restrict water use strictly to drinking purposes. Deputy CM Parameshwara is conducting district-by-district reviews and is preparing to personally lobby the Union Home Minister for advance NDRF funds — a sign of how seriously the state is treating what officials are calling a drought-like emergency.
Key Takeaways
Karnataka Deputy CM G.
Parameshwara confirmed a drought-like situation in the state on 6 July , with several reservoirs at dead storage levels.
Water from existing reserves has been restricted exclusively for drinking purposes ; all other uses have been prohibited.
Rainfall in the Malnad region has triggered inflow into the KRS reservoir , offering limited short-term relief.
Fodder kits are being distributed and districts have been directed to set up fodder banks and goshala facilities .
Karnataka plans to submit a drought report to the Union Government and seek early release of NDRF funds ; Parameshwara may personally meet the Union Home Minister .
Review meetings have been held in Belagavi , Chitradurga , and Tumakuru ; Kalaburagi is next.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Monday, 6 July confirmed that the state is grappling with a drought-like situation, warning that several reservoirs have hit dead storage levels. Speaking to reporters near Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, he said both he and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have already issued strict directives to district officials to safeguard drinking water supplies for people and livestock and address fodder shortages.
Reservoir Crisis and Water Restrictions
Parameshwara said that with reservoirs at dead storage levels, available water has been earmarked exclusively for drinking purposes. 'Strict instructions have been given to officials to ensure that the available water is used only for drinking purposes and not for any other purpose,' he said. He noted, however, that rainfall on Sunday had offered some relief, and if showers continue for another couple of days, reservoirs could partially recover. Inflow into the KRS reservoir has reportedly begun following rainfall in the Malnad region.
District Review Meetings Under Way
The Deputy Chief Minister said he has already conducted progress review meetings in Belagavi, Chitradurga, and Tumakuru districts. He added that he and Chief Minister Shivakumar were visiting Bidar on Monday, with a follow-up review meeting scheduled in Kalaburagi district on Tuesday. The ground assessments are aimed at issuing location-specific instructions to district administration.
Fodder Banks and Livestock Relief
On the livestock front, Parameshwara said fodder kits are already being distributed across affected areas. He has directed Chief Executive Officers and Deputy Commissioners of districts to establish fodder banks and goshala facilities wherever required. He also suggested that farmers with borewells be provided seeds to grow fodder locally, reducing dependence on external supply chains.
Centre's NDRF Funds in Focus
The state government is preparing a report on the drought situation to submit to the Union Government. Parameshwara said Karnataka will urge the Centre to release National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) funds in advance. He indicated he may personally meet the Union Home Minister to explain the severity of the situation and formally submit the state's request. This comes amid a broader pattern of southern states flagging water stress to the Centre during below-normal monsoon years.
SIR Process Row Dismissed
Responding to questions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, Parameshwara said it is being conducted strictly as per Election Commission of India (ECI) instructions. He dismissed Opposition criticism, saying there was 'no point in the Opposition politicising this issue,' and assured that any official found in error would face action.
With the monsoon's trajectory over the coming days likely to determine whether the drought deepens or eases, all eyes are now on reservoir inflows and the Centre's response to Karnataka's NDRF appeal.
Point of View
Even a partial recovery buys days, not weeks. The harder question is whether the state's fodder and drinking water infrastructure is robust enough to hold if the monsoon remains erratic through August.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current drought situation in Karnataka?
Karnataka is experiencing a drought-like situation as of early July 2025, with multiple reservoirs having reached dead storage levels. The state government has restricted water use to drinking purposes only and is distributing fodder kits to support livestock.
What is the government doing to address the drinking water shortage?
Deputy CM Parameshwara has issued strict orders to district officials to use available reservoir water exclusively for drinking. He is also personally visiting affected districts — including Belagavi, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Bidar, and Kalaburagi — to review ground conditions and issue directives.
Will Karnataka receive NDRF funds from the Centre?
The state government is preparing a formal drought report to submit to the Union Government and plans to request advance release of National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) funds. Parameshwara has said he may personally meet the Union Home Minister to press the case.
How is the government helping livestock during the drought?
Fodder kits are already being distributed across affected areas. District CEOs and Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to set up fodder banks and goshala facilities. Farmers with borewells are also being encouraged to grow their own fodder using government-supplied seeds.
Has the monsoon provided any relief to Karnataka's reservoirs?
Rainfall on Sunday, 6 July, offered limited relief, with inflow into the KRS reservoir beginning after showers in the Malnad region. Parameshwara said a few more days of rain could partially replenish reservoirs, easing the drinking water crisis.
