Karnataka Facing Unprecedented Drought, Says G Parameshwara
Deputy CM G Parameshwara urges opposition to join delegation to Delhi to seek massive drought relief for Karnataka's unprecedented dry spell.
Karnataka is grappling with a dry spell of such extreme intensity that it has surpassed anything seen in recent memory, according to Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. As the state struggles to manage the fallout of the Kharif 2026 season, the Deputy CM has made an urgent appeal to opposition leaders to set aside political differences and join an all-party delegation to New Delhi to demand comprehensive relief from the Union government.
A Call for Political Unity
Speaking to reporters in Tumakuru, Parameshwara expressed deep concern over reports that opposition parties might decline to participate in the upcoming mission to the capital. He emphasized that the scale of the crisis demands a unified front when approaching the Prime Minister and Union Ministers.
"Karnataka is facing a drought of a severity not seen before," Parameshwara stated. "Most probably, the Chief Minister, myself, and a delegation will go and meet the Prime Minister, the Union Agriculture Minister, and the Home Minister, who is in charge of disaster management. We want to take an all-party delegation, but statements have come from opposition leaders that they are not going to join us... I appeal to them to join us."
The Deputy CM noted that both he and the Chief Minister are continuously touring the state to monitor the deteriorating conditions on the ground.
Massive Financial Stakes and Central Assessments
The state is currently in a race against time to secure the necessary funds to support farmers, livestock, and communities facing acute drinking water shortages. Following a formal memorandum submitted by the state, three Central teams are currently on the ground conducting practical assessments across various districts.
These teams are expected to complete their field investigations by tomorrow evening, after which a debriefing by the Chief Secretary and senior officers will take place before the final report is submitted to the Government of India.
The Growing Scale of the Crisis
The drought has rapidly expanded its footprint across the state. The government's assessment of the damage is staggering:
- Total Affected Taluks: 177 taluks have been officially declared drought-affected.
- Expansion Timeline: 101 taluks were declared affected on August 27, followed by 23 more on September 17, and an additional 53 on September 22.
- Ongoing Verification: Ground-truth verification is currently underway in another 40 taluks.
- Financial Demand: The state is seeking Rs 7,142.64 crore in financial assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
- Estimated Losses: Total drought-related losses are estimated at Rs 46,324.50 crore.
Lessons from the Past
Parameshwara recalled the difficulties faced during the 2023–24 financial year to highlight why a proactive approach is vital. He noted that during the previous crisis, despite an estimated loss of nearly Rs 49,000 crores and a request for Rs 18,000 crores, the state only received Rs 3,500 crores after intervening in the Supreme Court.
"Last time also, in 2023–24, the same drought teams had come from Delhi and submitted their reports... After the intervention of the Supreme Court, they gave us Rs 3,500 crores. This year, hopefully, that situation will not arise," he remarked, expressing hope for a smoother and more substantial relief process this time around.