Karnataka CM: Central drought aid hinges on matching assessment reports
CM Shivakumar says Karnataka's drought relief depends on its assessment report matching the Centre's evaluation, as Gadag faces its worst drought in 50 years.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Tuesday that Karnataka will receive adequate drought relief only if the state's assessment report aligns with the Union government's evaluation. Speaking in Gadag, he explained that the state is sending its field study report to the Centre, but financial assistance will be released only after the Union government's drought assessment team approves it.
Shivakumar noted that the state has already taken preparatory steps, including announcing interim relief. He said the government is reviewing two separate lists of drought-hit taluks — one prepared by district ministers after village visits and another based on surveys by officers. A final second list will be prepared after studying both.
On water supply, the Chief Minister said instructions have been issued to officials, with ₹1 crore allocated to each rural Assembly constituency for drinking water. Additional funds have been deposited with Deputy Commissioners.
Describing the situation in Gadag as the worst drought in 50 years, Shivakumar said officials have reported a 40% reduction in rainfall. After inspecting fields from a helicopter and on the ground, he observed that sowing has not happened in many areas, and farmers may realise only 10-15% of the crop in cultivated lands. He inspected cotton, groundnut, corn, and sunflower crops and spoke with farmers about their hardships.
Currently, only Gajendragad in Gadag district has been declared drought-affected. All MLAs, led by the district minister, have requested that all taluks in the district be declared drought-affected.
Shivakumar also mentioned that H.K. Patil has given his opinion on cloud seeding, and other MLAs have raised issues related to irrigation and desilting of Benne Halla stream. Action on these projects will depend on fund availability.
He added that he wanted to address the state on the government's achievements in its first 100 days, but the Opposition disrupted the session. He will speak on this during the 100-day celebration event.