Bengaluru, June 13 -- Even as the southwest monsoon has officially entered Karnataka, inadequate rainfall across the Cauvery and Krishna river basins has triggered fresh concerns of a difficult drought-like situation in the state.

Water levels in major reservoirs, including Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS), Kabini, Hemavathi and Almatti, have dropped alarmingly, raising fears over drinking water availability, irrigation needs and agricultural activities in the coming months.

Worrying situation in Cauvery basin

The situation is particularly worrying in the Cauvery basin, which serves as the lifeline for southern Karnataka. Despite entering the second week of June, the region has not received the expected monsoon showers, leaving reservoirs with...