Karnataka seeks central relief as drought assessment begins

Central teams have commenced a four-day assessment of drought-affected taluks across 12 districts in Karnataka. The state government has declared 217 taluks as drought-hit, with 177 of those suffering estimated losses of approximately Rs 46,324.50 crore.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has requested Rs 7,142.64 crore in relief from the central government, urging the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to conduct a fair assessment under National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) norms. Three separate teams have been deployed to tour various districts, including Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Hassan, Mysuru, and Yadgir, among others.

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi stated that the central government will provide the “best support” possible within existing norms. However, he criticized the Karnataka state government, alleging that the lack of funds is a result of “mismanagement and corruption” and accused the state of attempting to shift responsibility for the crisis onto the Centre.