Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday convened a crucial meeting in Bengaluru with a high-level Central government delegation, initiating their on-ground assessment of the state's severe drought situation. The session, held at the Chief Minister's official residence-cum-office, Krishna, saw the state government present a detailed account of widespread rainfall deficits and extensive crop damage.
During the meeting, state officials elucidated the dire conditions in drought-affected taluks, highlighting specific concerns such as inadequate rainfall, significant crop losses, dwindling drinking water supplies, and challenges in fodder availability for livestock. Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara also participated, alongside a contingent of senior state administrators including Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Additional Chief Secretaries Gaurav Gupta and Tushar Girinath, and State Disaster Management Department Secretary Manoj Kumar Meena and Commissioner Honnamba. The Central team was led by Ajit Kumar Sahu.
This Central delegation's visit precedes Karnataka's formal request for Union government relief, following an internal assessment that pegs the overall drought-related damage between an estimated Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 60,000 crore. Three distinct Central teams, comprising officials from various Union ministries including Agriculture and Environment, have commenced their field visits across the state to verify these ground realities.
Deputy Chief Minister Parameshwara informed reporters in Bengaluru that one team would inspect the Tumakuru, Chitradurga, and Davanagere regions, another would focus on North Karnataka, and the third would assess the Mysuru region. Before embarking on their field trips, these teams will receive further briefings from the state government and will engage with district commissioners and local officials to corroborate the data provided by Karnataka. Parameshwara confirmed that the state plans to submit its final memorandum seeking drought relief from the Centre once all affected areas complete their assessments.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean News