Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the worsening drought situation in Karnataka, with 177 taluks now declared drought-affected and the situation likely to intensify in the coming months.
In the light of the grim situation, Mr. Shivakumar has sought immediate interim drought relief of 50% of the sum sought in an earlier memorandum to the tune of ₹ 3,705.30 crore, pending completion of the formal assessment process by a Central team. He has also sought advance release of the Central share of the second instalment of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Mr. Shivakumar has said that large-scale crop losses, likely exceeding 40 lakh hectares, is predicted in Karnataka.
“This support will help Karnataka undertake immediate relief measures for crop losses, drinking water supply, livestock protection and other essential interventions,” he has said in the letter, stating that the the prolonged rainfall deficit has severely impacted the rural economy.
Published – September 23, 2026 11:05 pm IST
