Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced plans to expand the state Cabinet next week to collectively tackle the ongoing drought crisis. Emphasizing the need for unity in governance, he urged Ministers to prioritize drought management and public welfare. Shivakumar, during a visit to Chitradurga, highlighted the importance of ensuring farmers in villages do not suffer due to the drought.
Shivakumar stressed the importance of administrative reforms, aiming to give governance a new direction by encouraging legislators and officials to work as a cohesive unit. He introduced the Praja Seva Department to enhance public grievance redressal and instructed district in-charge Ministers to conduct regular public grievance meetings. The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for transparency in drought-relief efforts and efficient utilization of funds for water supply in rural areas.
Addressing the water scarcity issue, Shivakumar advised farmers against sowing crops based on uncertain rainfall predictions. He warned about the low water levels in reservoirs and reiterated Karnataka’s inability to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The Chief Minister also mentioned the impact of El Nino, highlighting the state’s efforts to address the drought situation and the upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss ground realities.
