Monsoon Delayed: Karnataka faces water scarcity

The southwest monsoon strongly picked up pace over the past two days, covering almost all major parts of the country, including Delhi and Mumbai. As the monsoon has again become active, there is a possibility that it will cover the country by the first week of July, which is normal.The rains reached Delhi and Mumbai on June 25, something, according to meteorologists, that has not happened since June 21, 1961.The normal date for the onset of the monsoon in Mumbai is June 11 and for Delhi it is June 27. The northern limit of the southwest monsoon is little short of covering the entire country.The pickup in the southwest monsoon, mainly over the rainfed western, central and some parts of southern India, augurs well for the sowing of kharif crops, particularly paddy, oilseeds, and pulseSowing has seriously fallen behind.The rains would bring relief to northern, eastern, and central parts of the country.

Due to the to the delayed Monsoon, Karnataka is facing severe drought like situation. It is experiencing 70% rainfall defecit during this season. This is mainly because of the formation of Biparjoy cyclone. Reservoir levels dip as monsoon played taunt accross Karnataka.Water level in key reservoirs KRS  and Tungabhadra remains very low compared to last year. Karnataka farmers are forced to buy tanker water for crops due to this delay. In many areas pulses sown are dried out for want of rain. This pattern change conditions will be soon strengthen and rains will improve in coming weeks.Many parts ot the state reported water scarcity and rise in temperatures. People are eagerly awaiting for rainfall. The prices of vegetables and fruits has sky rocketed and tomato and beans are selling over 100 rupees. Coriander has jumped to 70 per bunch.Banana is selling at 85.In many districts drinking water is supplied through tankers.More than 1500 villages are in danger list.