Shivakumar Briefs Central Team on Karnataka's Rainfall Deficit, Crop Losses

Shivakumar, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, chaired the meeting at the Chief Minister's official residence-cum-office, Krishna. Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara also attended the discussions.

The state government presented the Central team with details of conditions in drought-affected taluks, including inadequate rainfall, agricultural losses, drinking water shortages and the availability of fodder for livestock.

Officials outlined the impact of the rainfall shortfall on farming and water resources and provided information on conditions reported from different parts of the state.

The Central team is headed by Ajit Kumar Sahu and includes officials from various Union ministries, including those dealing with agriculture and the environment.

Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Additional Chief Secretaries Gaurav Gupta and Tushar Girinath, State Disaster Management Department Secretary Manoj Kumar Meena and Commissioner Honnamba were among the senior officials present at the meeting.

The Central teams are conducting field assessments to independently verify the drought situation and the extent of crop losses before the Karnataka government submits its final request for financial assistance from the Union government.

The state has estimated the overall economic damage from the drought at between Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 60,000 crore. Parameshwara has said the government will prepare and submit its final memorandum seeking Central assistance after the assessment of all affected areas is completed.

Three Central teams are undertaking the assessment across different regions of Karnataka. They will examine crop damage, rainfall conditions and water availability, while also meeting district officials and verifying information provided by the state government.

According to Parameshwara, one team will assess areas including Tumakuru, Chitradurga and Davanagere, another will cover parts of North Karnataka, while the third will inspect the Mysuru region.

Before beginning their field visits, the teams will receive detailed briefings from state officials and will subsequently interact with deputy commissioners and local authorities to assess the situation on the ground.