Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has issued a strong appeal to farmers not to begin sowing crops this season, citing an alarming drought situation and the urgent need to conserve water for drinking purposes.
The Chief Minister has convened an emergency Cabinet meeting on Sunday to assess the worsening drought conditions across the state following deficient monsoon rainfall. Ahead of the Cabinet meeting, he will also hold discussions with all Deputy Commissioners and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officers to review the ground situation, evaluate preparedness, and finalize immediate drought relief measures.
Shivakumar said the state's reservoirs are under severe stress, and the available water must be reserved primarily for drinking water needs. He also highlighted the additional challenge of managing water releases from the Cauvery and Tungabhadra reservoirs in line with interstate water-sharing commitments.
The Chief Minister urged farmers to exercise caution before taking up cultivation, warning that insufficient rainfall and shrinking water reserves could lead to significant crop losses.
On the issue of central assistance, Shivakumar said the Union government has not yet responded to his earlier letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a central team to assess the drought situation. He announced that he would write to the Prime Minister once again, urging the Centre to immediately depute an assessment team and provide necessary support.
With rainfall remaining far below normal in several districts, Karnataka is preparing for a challenging season, focusing on water conservation, drought mitigation, and ensuring an uninterrupted drinking water supply.
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