Bengaluru, 15 April

Amid a sharp rise in temperatures across Karnataka, 344 villages across 58 taluks face drinking water shortages with reservoir levels falling rapidly, said Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.

Bengaluru South (Ramanagara) is the worst hit, with 210 villages dependent on tankers. Another 125 villages in the district rely on private borewells.

In Uttara Kannada, Haliyal and Mundgod are severely affected due to terrain and depleted sources.

Meanwhile, the State’s 22 key reservoirs hold just 138.04 TMC, or 25.94 per cent of capacity.

Of 3,788 minor irrigation lakes, 2,268 were less than half full by 31 March. The KRS dam near Mysuru, crucial for Bengaluru, has 25.33 TMC with 16.96 TMC usable.

Bengaluru needs 3–4 TMC in addition to its 1,450 MLD Cauvery supply through May.

Authorities also warn that if evaporation continues amid the rising temperatures, village distress could worsen by May. The Health Department has urged citizens to stay indoors during peak hours, and conserve water, warning that there was a high risk of heatstrokes.

Notably, North Karnataka is bearing the brunt, as temperatures are forcing people to stay indoors. Kalaburagi district recorded the State’s highest temperature at 45°C in Aurad village, with four taluks reporting extreme heat, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Kalaburagi and warned of heatwave conditions in Bidar, Raichur, Yadgir, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Koppal, and Gadag from 15 to 18 April.

Other major readings include Raichur at 40°C, Vijayapura at 40°C, Koppal at 40°C, and Bidar at 39°C.

Temperatures in Bengaluru also touched 36.6°C — its highest in 2026 — and may reach 38°C in the next five days.  IMD says the heat index makes 35°C feel closer to 40°C.

Coastal Karnataka will remain hot and humid until 18 April. While winds up to 40 km/h and light rain are possible in less than 25% of regions, officials say relief will be minimal.