Express News Service By

BENGALURU: Karnataka Power Minister D K Shivakumar said as there is deficit rain this year, they will not be supplying water for agriculture purpose after August 31. However, after Gowri festival, government will review the situation and take appropriate decision, he said.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, minister said they had convened meeting regarding KRS reservoir with CM Siddaramiah on Tuesday. ``This is worse situation in the last four decades. We had intimated farmers that there won't be sufficient water for agriculture in kaveri basin. In spite of that, farmers has grown paddy and wheat. Our first priority is for drinking water. With limited water, we would not be supplying water to agriculture purpose after August 31" he said.

Further minister said Bengaluru needs 15 TMC of drinking water. By end of December, 25 tmc water will be stored. But the present storage of KRS is just 12.5 tmc. There is a need of 40 tmc water if supplied to farmers for 80 days.

Referring to met department forecast , Shivakumar said the department is telling deficit rain this time. Crop that will be grown after September 1 will not get water. If water left after usage for drinking water, the same will be utilised for agriculture purpose. Farmers should keep it in mind and continue their farming activities. Later they should not blame state government. He also said they will constitute vigilance committee to look after water usage only for drinking purpose. "I shall write to irrigation department regarding this " He said.



No power shortage



Minister Shivakumar said there will be no shortage of power supply. At present they have 9500 million units power where as consumption is just 8000 million units. In case if they have shortage they have kept tender to buy from private players for Rs 4.36 per unit. In case if needed we will buy.



