In a major setback to the industry in Karnataka, the Congress-led government has been forced to implement a two-three hours mandatory power cuts in the IT capital of the nation owing to deficient rainfall, which has led to a fall in hydel power generation capacity.

The industry has already been complaining about the poor infrastructure facilities in Karnataka and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has done little to boost their confidence. Now, the power cuts are likely to further disappoint the industry, which will have to now organize dedicated power supply on its own. In rest of the state, the government will resort to unscheduled power cuts.

Karnataka's Law & Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra, however, said that the government would purchase power from other states to meet the local demand. "We have set aside Rs 3,078 crore to purchase power from other states. Owing to deficient rainfall, the water storage levels in major hydel projects is poor," he said.

As against an installed capacity of 10,189 MW per day, the state is generating only around 6,300 MW. The water storage level in major hydel power projects, such as Linganamakki and Alamatti, is less than 50% of the capacity.

Karnataka is facing one of the worst droughts in recent years with as many as 27 out of the 30 districts suffering from deficient rainfall this monsoon.