Karnataka CM Assures No Power Shortage or Water Disputes with Tamil Nadu

Quick Summary

• Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah assured no power shortage in the State this year due to sufficient rainfall filling reservoirs.
• He inaugurated the two-day Gaganachukki Jalapathothsava 2025 festival, highlighting Karnataka’s self-reliance in electricity generation since the establishment of Asia’s first hydroelectric station at Shivanasamudra in 1902.
• Karnataka has been producing adequate electricity and supplying it to farmers.
• Regarding Cauvery water sharing with Tamil Nadu:

– Siddaramaiah stated that Karnataka will release water based on rainfall conditions and apply a distress formula if rainfall is inadequate.
– Though required to release 98 tmc of water so far, over 221 tmc – considerably more than mandated – has already flowed into Tamil Nadu.
– The Chief Minister advocated for Mekedatu dam construction, saying it can store up to 66 tmc of water benefitting both States during droughts or excess rain periods.

• On agriculture: sowing was reported on approximately 82 lakh hectares this year in Karnataka-a larger area compared to last year-but crop losses affected around five lakh hectares due to rains. Relief measures are underway following a joint survey; compensation for farmers will be released within ten days.

Indian Opinion analysis

Karnataka’s reliance on good monsoon seasons continues as reservoir levels determine key decisions like power supply and inter-state water sharing agreements. While Siddaramaiah’s emphasis on using distress formulas highlights an attempt at equitable resource distribution amidst varying rainfall patterns, long-standing disputes over projects like Mekedatu underline the need for collaborative planning between States and proactive measures by the Center.

Agricultural losses due to erratic rains remain a critical concern despite increased sowing acreage. Timely completion of crop loss assessments followed by compensation could help mitigate farmer difficulties but also reflect broader challenges tied to climate unpredictability impacting agrarian economies.

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