Karnataka Chief minister D K Shivakumar said on Monday that the state was preparing for worsening water and power shortages over the prevailing rainfall deficit that has spurred drought-like conditions in 200 out of 239 taluks in the state.
The state’s rainfall deficit has deepened in September. Rainfall has remained below normal since the monsoon began in June. Peak demand crossed 19,000 MW last week, forcing the state to buy electricity at ₹ 11 to ₹ 12 per unit. The state logged only about 10 mm of rain against a normal 51 mm, which accounted for an 81% shortfall, government data showed. June recorded 116 mm against a normal 199 mm, a deficit of 42%. July received 192 mm against 271 mm, a 29% deficit, while August recorded 169 mm against the normal 220 mm.
The power shortage is also becoming more acute, he said. “Total power usage has grown due to increased consumption during night hours,” he said.
