Bengaluru, 19 October

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he would lead an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seek drought relief for the state, as the government described the situation as “extremely serious” and prepared to submit a third memorandum to the Centre.

Shivakumar said opposition leaders had agreed to accompany the delegation and that a memorandum would be finalised before the meeting.

“If the PM gives us time between the conclusion of Dasara and Karnataka Rajyotsava, I will meet him and discuss the issue. If not, I will pursue it thereafter,” he told reporters, noting that drought had affected several parts of the country.

He also expressed confidence that his letter to the Prime Minister highlighting the problems faced by sugarcane farmers would yield results.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the third memorandum seeking drought-relief funds was expected to be submitted within two days. He said Shivakumar would decide whether to lead the delegation himself or nominate the Deputy CM or another team.

The Chief Minister had earlier proposed an all-party delegation, but differences among opposition parties over participation had necessitated further discussions, Parameshwara said.

He said the government was implementing relief measures using its own resources while awaiting Central assistance. Deputy commissioners and Zilla Panchayat chief executive officers are monitoring the situation, with tankers and private borewells being deployed wherever necessary.

“The state government is spending around Rs 1,250 crore solely to provide Rs 2,500 each to farmers as drought relief,” he said.

Food production has suffered an estimated 82 per cent loss, while fodder availability has declined and drinking water shortages have worsened. Tankers and hired private borewells are supplying water in affected areas, but the situation could deteriorate if existing sources dry up.

Parameshwara said drought-hit areas had been identified and crop losses assessed under the Union government’s prescribed guidelines. Karnataka is seeking assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund norms.

He said 226 taluks had been declared drought-hit, with estimated losses likely to exceed Rs 60,000 crore, and urged the Centre to release funds to support farmers and others affected.