Wed Apr 02 13:52:17 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Prioritizes Drinking Water Amidst Inter-State Water Dispute

**Bengaluru, April 2, 2025** – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced Wednesday that the state government will prioritize drinking water supplies this summer, appealing for cooperation from all citizens, including farmers. This comes amidst a growing water crisis, exacerbated by farmers in Raichur, Koppal, and Yadgiri districts cultivating second crops despite government advisories against it.

These farmers are now demanding water release from the Narayanapur Basava Sagar reservoir. In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to his Maharashtra counterpart requesting additional water, citing 6.60 tmcft already reserved to save standing crops across 89,000 hectares. A delegation of farmers, led by Minister Sharanabasappa Gouda Darshanapur, met with Mr. Shivakumar to urge the release of water from the reservoir’s canals until April 15th.

While the delegation suggested seeking central government intervention, Mr. Shivakumar emphasized the importance of inter-state cooperation to resolve the issue. The Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Major and Medium Irrigation portfolio, stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring sufficient drinking water for all citizens during the upcoming summer months.

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