Thu Mar 20 19:12:11 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Braces for Above-Average Monsoon, Water Concerns Remain
**Bengaluru, March 21, 2025** – Karnataka is gearing up for an above-average monsoon season, with officials predicting more than average rainfall from July to September. A cabinet sub-committee meeting chaired by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda reviewed preparations on Thursday, noting encouraging pre-monsoon showers across the state, including north Karnataka.
Water storage in the state’s 14 major reservoirs currently stands at a healthy 422.11 tmcft, significantly higher than last year’s 280.02 tmcft at the same time. However, Minister Gowda expressed concern over suboptimal levels in some dams and emphasized the need to account for water loss through evaporation and prioritize drinking water needs over irrigation.
The meeting highlighted 12 districts, including Bengaluru Urban and Rural, and Ramanagara, as potentially facing acute drinking water shortages. Specific instructions were issued to address challenges faced by reverse osmosis (RO) water purification units in Bengaluru, ensuring a continuous power supply and prompt repairs. The positive outlook for agriculture is tempered by the need to proactively manage water resources and ensure sufficient drinking water for the population.
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