BENGALURU, April 17 -- With a weak monsoon forecast for most parts of Karnataka, chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday directed district administrations to move into preparedness mode, warning that any disruption in drinking water supply would invite direct accountability.

"Except for five districts, a monsoon deficit is expected across the state. Deputy commissioners must take advance measures to ensure there is no shortage of drinking water," the chief minister said after chairing a review meeting at Vidhana Soudha with ministers in charge of districts and senior officials.

Referring to India Meteorological Department (IMD) projections, the government said rainfall is likely to be below normal overall, with near-normal precipitation...