Bengaluru, October 3 (Daily Kiran) : The central drought assessment team has begun a three-day visit to Karnataka, as confirmed by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The team aims to evaluate the ground realities and will compile a report based on data provided by state officials and field investigations. Ajit Kumar Sahu, the joint secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and head of the team, assured the chief minister during a meeting at the ‘Krishna’ office-residence.
In the meeting, Chief Minister Shivakumar requested ₹3,705.30 crore in drought relief under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines. In response, Sahu stated that the inter-ministerial team would gather necessary data from state officials during their visit before submitting their report.
This visit comes as the central team assesses the severe drought conditions and crop losses affecting Karnataka. Shivakumar highlighted the hardships faced by farmers and the general public due to the drought, urging the central government to provide the requested relief funds.
He noted that, following scientific assessments aligned with disaster management guidelines, 217 out of 240 taluks in the state have been declared drought-affected. The chief minister emphasized that the identification of these areas was conducted rigorously and scientifically, without external pressure.
Shivakumar expressed concern over the broader implications of the farmers’ distress on the state’s economy and society. He remarked, “If farmers are in trouble, everything comes to a standstill. Therefore, the central government should step in to assist Karnataka’s farmers.”
Describing the situation as alarming, Shivakumar reflected on his and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara’s four decades of public service, stating they had never witnessed such severe challenges faced by the people.
He mentioned that apart from the Krishna Basin, most areas in the state are experiencing low water inflow in reservoirs, with significant rainfall deficits recorded in the Malnad and coastal regions. The chief minister also pointed out the pressure on urban water supplies, despite the Cauvery Water Management Authority directing Karnataka to release water from the Cauvery River.
While the state government announced a relief package of ₹2,500 for affected farmers, Shivakumar expressed hope for additional support from the central government. He noted that ministers have visited districts to assess conditions, and officials are implementing precautionary and relief measures in their respective departments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously alerted the state about the drought situation during his visit and directed his cabinet colleagues and officials to take necessary actions.
Shivakumar also mentioned that farmers are facing significant challenges, with sugarcane producers demanding higher prices and dairy farmers seeking a minimum increase of ₹10 per liter.
He concluded that both the central and state governments must collaborate to address the ongoing crisis.
The meeting included Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Minister’s economic advisor L.K. Ateek, and other senior officials.
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