Karnataka Seeks Interim Central Aid as Drought-Hit Taluks Cross 200

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said an all-party delegation will visit New Delhi to seek interim financial assistance from the Centre as the drought situation in the state continues to worsen.

Shivakumar said the delegation would seek maximum possible relief from the Centre and may meet central ministers over the crisis. The number of drought-hit taluks has crossed 200, he said.

The chief minister said the situation was affecting farmers, water availability and power supply, with crop losses mounting across the state.

Karnataka had earlier sought Rs 3,705.30 crore from the Centre for immediate drought-relief measures in 101 drought-declared taluks. Following further assessment, 76 additional taluks were declared drought-affected, taking the earlier official count to 177. Shivakumar has since urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release 50 per cent of the state's drought-relief memorandum amount as interim assistance, pending completion of the prescribed assessment process.

He has also sought advance release of the Centre's share of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The funds would help provide crop-loss assistance, drinking water, livestock protection and other emergency relief.

The state is also facing growing power-related concerns. Shivakumar said electricity demand had reached around 20,000 MW, while some states were purchasing power at Rs 20-23 per unit. He said the Energy Department had been directed to protect consumers from the impact of higher electricity costs.

The government is examining restrictions on sugar factories selling electricity outside Karnataka instead of supplying it to the state. Shivakumar also said coal stocks for thermal power generation had fallen to about one day, urging careful management of available resources.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Assembly session has been extended by a day to facilitate discussion on the drought.

On the Finance Department's advisory for austerity, Shivakumar said such cautions were routine, while acknowledging that the drought could create additional financial pressure on the state.