Karnataka to Submit Drought Report to Centre in 15 Days After Ground Surveys, Says CM

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Sunday that the state will submit a comprehensive drought report to the Centre within 15 days, following ground-level surveys across all 178 taluks. The state has faced an overall rainfall deficit of about 68%, with 158 taluks receiving average rainfall and 20 taluks receiving no rainfall at all.

Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Shivakumar emphasized the need for field verification, stating, 'I have asked for a comprehensive field survey because I do not believe just reports. They will also videograph the field surveys.' The CM noted that the drought situation in Vijayanagar district is particularly severe and has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send a Central team for assessment.

Water storage in reservoirs is currently at 40% of last year's levels, sufficient only for drinking water needs. About 40% of the water is available for hydel electricity generation. The CM warned officials against negligence, saying, 'We are not here to see paperwork. All data and statistics will be cross-checked with ground reality. So don’t just give numbers without verification.'

Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara reported that 75 taluks have experienced dry weather for four consecutive weeks and directed officials to undertake ground-truthing. He expressed concern over migration from several North Karnataka districts, including Ballari, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgir, and Vijayanagara, due to lack of work.

Parameshwara also highlighted depleting groundwater levels, which have fallen by around 4 metres in 88 taluks. Of the 3,817 tanks under the Minor Irrigation Department, 3,235 have less than 50% water storage, and of 32,504 tanks under zilla panchayats, 27,450 have similarly low storage. The government is prioritizing drinking water, fodder for animals, crop insurance, and sinking borewells in rural areas.