India, Sept. 15 -- Karnataka Chief minister D K Shivakumar said on Monday that the state was preparing for worsening water and power shortages over the prevailing rainfall deficit that has spurred drought-like conditions in 200 out of 239 taluks in the state.

The state has already declared 101 taluks drought- hit, while the government plans to classify the remaining affected taluks under central guidelines. Shivakumar said crop losses were extensive and falling groundwater levels were hurting water supplies.

The power shortage is also becoming more acute, he said. Peak demand crossed 19,000 MW last week, forcing the state to buy electricity at Rs.11 to Rs.12 per unit. "Total power usage has grown due to increased consumption during nigh...