Severe Drought in Karnataka.. D.K. Shivakumar Seeks Central Assistance

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate central assistance as the drought situation in the state continues to worsen. He said 177 taluks have been officially declared drought-affected, with the prolonged rainfall deficit impacting crops, water availability, livestock and the rural economy. He urged the Centre to provide timely financial support to enable the state to undertake urgent drought-relief measures.

Shivakumar requested the release of 50 per cent of Karnataka’s drought-relief memorandum amount as interim assistance pending completion of the assessment and approval process. He also sought the advance release of the Centre’s share of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund. The funds, he said, would help the state provide crop-loss assistance, drinking water, livestock protection and other essential relief measures to drought-affected people.