Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, G. Parameshwara, highlighted the state’s current drought-like conditions and emphasized the need for effective measures to manage the situation. He mentioned providing essential instructions to officials, along with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, to ensure the availability of drinking water for both people and livestock. Parameshwara stressed the importance of using water judiciously, especially since reservoirs have reached critically low levels.
Some relief was reported in certain areas due to recent rainfall, raising hopes for reservoir levels to improve with continued rain. The Deputy Chief Minister mentioned ongoing efforts to distribute fodder kits to prevent shortages for livestock. Additionally, plans are in place to support farmers with seeds for fodder growth and establish fodder banks and goshala facilities as needed in various districts.
Parameshwara also announced upcoming visits to Bidar and Kalaburagi districts for situation assessments and to provide necessary directives to officials. He expressed readiness to submit a detailed report to the Union Government and request early release of NDRF funds to tackle the drought situation effectively. Addressing concerns about the SIR process, he assured that the Election Commission’s guidelines are being followed diligently without any ambiguity or scope for politicization.
