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DK Shivakumar Writes to PM Modi on Karnataka Drought: CM Seeks Urgent Financial Aid
- •Karnataka's drought situation has intensified, with an additional 76 taluks declared drought-affected, bringing the total to 177.
- •Over 200 taluks may ultimately be declared drought-affected by the end of the 2026 southwest monsoon.
- •The southwest monsoon is crucial for Kharif agriculture, reservoir replenishment, hydroelectric power, fodder, and groundwater recharge in Karnataka.
- •Reduced water levels in Cauvery basin reservoirs raise concerns about drinking water availability in Bengaluru and surrounding districts.
- •CM Shivakumar requested 50% of the sought amount as interim financial assistance due to the rapidly deteriorating drought situation, to enable immediate relief measures.
Key Questions Answered
The government has additionally declared 76 taluks as drought-affected, bringing the total number of affected taluks in Karnataka to 177, with expectations that over 200 taluks may be declared drought-affected by the end of the 2026 southwest monsoon.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar requested that 50% of the financial assistance sought in the NDRF memorandum be released as interim assistance, alongside the advance release of the second installment of the central share of SDRF to fund immediate drought relief measures.
The significant monsoon rainfall deficit has delayed Kharif sowing, depleted reservoir storage in the Cauvery basin, reduced groundwater levels, and threatened drinking water supplies and crop losses across more than 40 lakh hectares.
