Karnataka, India, is facing a critical drinking water crisis as it enters the summer season, with Bengaluru South (Ramanagar) being the most affected area. Reports indicate that 210 villages in this region are now reliant on tanker water supplies. In total, 344 villages across 58 taluks are experiencing water shortages, exacerbated by uneven rainfall patterns and increasing demand in rural and peri-urban areas. Notably, 125 villages are also depending on private borewells, which is putting additional pressure on groundwater resources and contributing to declining water tables. The situation is particularly dire in Uttara Kannada, where terrain challenges and depleted water sources have necessitated the deployment of tankers and private borewells. While some districts have managed to avoid shortages due to better infrastructure and drought preparedness, funding issues remain a significant concern. Of the Rs 60 crore allocated for emergency drinking water initiatives for the fiscal year 2025-26, only Rs 43.7 crore has been released, falling short of the total requirement of Rs 132.2 crore. State officials, including IT/BT and Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge, are taking steps to ensure equitable access to safe drinking water and have established taluk-level helplines for public complaints.