Karnataka Faces Drought Crisis: CM Shivakumar Urges PM Modi to Send Central Team

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the central government to send a team to assess the emerging drought situation in the state. In a letter dated July 14, Shivakumar highlighted that 18 out of 31 districts have recorded 'deficit to large-deficit rainfall' until July 11.

The chief minister cited a 'sluggish' July monsoon that has severely affected Karnataka's agriculture and raised concerns over the ongoing kharif season. He emphasized that an early assessment by a central team would provide first-hand appreciation of the severity of the drought conditions and reassure the farming community of government support.

'Such a visit would provide a first-hand appreciation of the severity of the emerging drought conditions and reassure the farming community that the Government of India stands with them in this difficult period,' the letter stated. Shivakumar stressed that timely support from the Centre would strengthen the state's efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of the evolving drought situation.

Karnataka, a major agricultural state, heavily depends on the southwest monsoon for its kharif crops. The deficit rainfall has led to concerns over crop failure and water scarcity. The state government has already initiated measures to address the situation, but additional central assistance is sought to tackle the crisis effectively.