Thiruvananthapuram, July 7 (IANS) Kerala is likely to face severe water shortage since poor monsoon rains this year have led to inadequate storage in dams, Water Resources Minister N.K. Premachandran said Monday. “Things are bad. The state received 65 percent less rainfall than last year for the 37 days of monsoon since June 1. As a result, the water levels in various dams are falling fast,” Premachandran told the state assembly.

Moreover, distribution agencies and consumers owe large amounts of money to the Kerala Water Authority, which supplies water across the state.

“The total outstanding for the last fiscal is to the tune of Rs.7.89 billion. This comprises Rs.6.09 billion from the local bodies and Rs.1.79 billion from domestic, non-domestic and industrial users,” said Premachandran.

Due to the fall in water levels in dams, the state earlier this month announced daily power cuts for half an hour in a phased manner between 6.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m.

Of the total installed capacity of 2,700 MW, hydro electric power constitutes 1,811 MW in the state. Among the 30 power generating stations in Kerala, 24 are hydro-based, five are run on thermal power and one functions on wind power.