Hassan, June 17 -- A severe shortage of monsoon rainfall in Karnataka's Malnad region has triggered concern among farmers and residents dependent on the Hemavathi Reservoir, a key water source for several districts. The reservoir, which supplies drinking water and irrigation to large parts of southern Karnataka, is witnessing a significant decline in storage levels due to poor rainfall in its catchment areas.

The Hemavathi River, which usually receives substantial inflows from heavy rains in Sakleshpur and Belur taluks of Hassan district and Mudigere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district, has failed to gain momentum this year. The weak monsoon has raised fears of a looming water crisis if rainfall does not improve in the coming weeks.

The He...