Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday warned that a severe drought is pushing the state toward acute shortages of drinking water and electricity, addressing reporters in his hometown of Kanakapura, Ramanagara district.
The chief minister said drought conditions have already been confirmed in 100 taluks and that officials are following prescribed norms to declare additional areas as drought‑hit.
He highlighted a drastic fall in groundwater levels this year, noting that many crops have been destroyed and in several places farming could not even begin.
Electricity demand crossed the 19,000 megawatt mark last week, forcing the government to buy power at Rs 11‑13 per unit during evening peak hours. Shivakumar has asked Energy Minister K J George to hold extensive talks with neighbouring states on remedial steps.
To ease the power squeeze, the state is exploring higher thermal generation and tapping the national grid under the One Nation, One Grid system. Power from coal‑rich regions could be transmitted to Karnataka, though transmission charges would apply.
During the special legislative session scheduled for September 21‑23, two days have been set aside to hear farmers’ grievances caused by the drought. Shivakumar assured that party politics will not hinder discussion and that any area meeting the drought criteria will be officially declared as such.
The cabinet will convene its first meeting in the coastal belt, Dakshina Kannada district, on September 18. The agenda includes measures to curb migration and to leverage regional resources for local development, with several new programmes to be announced.
While in Kanakapura, Shivakumar visited a hostel that houses students from Kalaburagi, Raichur, Haveri and Bidar. He stressed the need to monitor educational progress, wardens’ performance and overall student welfare, calling the responsibility a trust placed by parents.
He also confirmed that Congress MLAs will participate in the government’s Praja Seva initiative, noting that a briefing will be provided to those who need it.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Sahil Online