Bengaluru: The worsening rainfall deficit has left thousands of lakes on the brink, with only 584 of the state’s 36,321 lakes at full capacity and 5,862 already dry, highlighting the scale of the emerging drought.The assessment was presented during a drought review meeting chaired by chief minister DK Shivakumar Sunday. At the meeting, members also reviewed the groundwater situation, with Shivakumar directing officials to take all necessary measures to safeguard drinking water supplies.The data paints a worrying picture. Of the 3,817 lakes managed by the minor irrigation department, 616 have dried up completely, while another 1,802 hold barely 1% to 30% of their storage. Only 22 lakes are full. Another 791 have storage between 31% and 50%, while 582 are between 51% and 99%.The situation is equally severe in the 32,504 lakes maintained by zilla panchayats. As many as 5,246 have gone dry, while 11,825 have less than one-third of their storage. Only 562 lakes are full, while 4,377 have water levels between 51% and 99%. Another 10,379 lakes are between 31% and 50% capacity.Officials said shrinking lake storage is expected to have a cascading effect as it could accelerate groundwater depletion and hit inland fishing activities overseen by district administrations.With forecasts indicating continued rainfall deficiency, Shivakumar asked district administrations to intensify measures to secure drinking water. “We are aware of the critical situation, so we have instructed officials to use the Rs 1 crore fund allocated for each assembly constituency to provide drinking water,” said Shivakumar.Deputy CM and revenue minister G Parameshwara said the state’s dry spell began in Oct 2025 and has sharply reduced surface water resources. Groundwater levels too have declined in 206 taluks compared with 2025, including 88 in the red category and 50 in the orange category.“An assessment shows only 17% of lakes have more than 50% water. The level is lower than the requirement for this year. Authorities have been told to conserve available water in reservoirs, lakes and tanks,” said Parameshwara.
