Karnataka CM Seeks Interim Drought Relief as 177 Taluks Declared Affected
Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar has sought interim drought relief from the PM, citing 177 drought-hit taluks and crop losses likely to exceed 40 lakh hectares.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the worsening drought conditions in the State, where 177 taluks have now been declared drought-affected. The situation is expected to intensify over the coming months, he said.
In the letter, the Chief Minister sought immediate interim drought relief amounting to 50% of the sum requested in an earlier memorandum, which was pegged at ₹3,705.30 crore. The interim assistance has been sought pending completion of the formal assessment process by a Central team.
Mr. Shivakumar also requested the advance release of the Central share of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
He stated that large-scale crop losses, likely exceeding 40 lakh hectares, are predicted in the State. The prolonged rainfall deficit has severely impacted the rural economy, he added.
The support, he said, would help Karnataka undertake immediate relief measures for crop losses, drinking water supply, livestock protection and other essential interventions.