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Notice (8): Undefined variable: urlPrefix [APP/Template/Layout/printlayout.ctp, line 8]latest-news-updates/karnataka-another-drought-year-4682437.html"/> LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Karnataka: Another drought year? | Im4change.org
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Karnataka: Another drought year?

-Bangalore Mirror

Reservoirs in the state are filled to only half their capacities, a first in 42 years

Slowly, monsoon is weakening, and we have not got our share of rainfall yet. Barring Kalaburagi, all districts in the state have had poor rainfall — a clear deficit. In Bengaluru City, the shortfall is 52%. According to experts, the rainfall in the state has fallen by 20-55 per cent, from June 1 to July 30. What also looms large is an impeding water crisis in the city.

In Malnad region, Chikkamagaluru had 30 per cent rainfall deficit, while Shivamogga, it stood at 24%. In the coastal region, Dakshina Kannada recorded 26% shortage, Udupi 15% and Uttar Kannada six%. The parched districts, like Kolar, witnessed a shortfall of 38%, Chikkaballapur 41%, Ramnagar 49%and Chamrajanagar 60 %. Bengaluru City saw 52% deficit and Bengaluru Rural recorded 51% deficit rainfall, indicating that the state is all set to witness one of its worst water crises in the next few months. Among all districts, only Kalaburagi recorded +5% rainfall.

If the rainfall pattern remains the same, then for the third consecutive year the state will witness drought conditions. The monsoon was poor from the beginning itself in Malnad, Central Karnataka and South Interior regions.

The North Karnataka region received good rainfall in the beginning, giving initial hope to agriculturists, but completely failed later. While sowing went on well, as the rains failed and the crops are drying, agricultural produce in the state is likely to be affected.

The change in rainfall pattern has forced farmers of several districts to cultivate maize, instead of paddy. The failing monsoon is likely to have an impact on the economy of the state as well. The ground water table is also depleting, raising alarm. Adding to the woes, there has been a change in criteria to announce drought-relief package. A region will be declared as drought affected only if there’s a crop loss to the tune of 60 per cent.

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