Karnataka Drought – Karnataka Seeks National Disaster Status as Drought Conditions Deepen
Karnataka Drought –Karnataka is facing an increasingly severe drought situation, prompting the state government to seek urgent intervention from the Central government. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said the administration has formally requested that the prevailing crisis be declared a national disaster, while also seeking additional financial support and relaxation of existing drought-related guidelines.
Government Begins Extensive Ground Assessment
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Parameshwara said he would personally visit drought-affected areas in Chikkaballapura district and Bengaluru Rural to assess the impact on agriculture, water availability and local communities. He said these visits are part of the government’s broader effort to evaluate conditions across different regions before taking further policy decisions.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced that a review meeting covering the Bengaluru division will be held in Chitradurga on July 26, jointly chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and himself. According to him, similar review meetings for the Belagavi and Kalaburagi divisions have already been completed, while the Mysuru division will be reviewed in the coming days.
Appeal to Centre for Financial Support
Parameshwara said Karnataka has submitted a detailed representation to the Central government requesting enhanced financial assistance to tackle the worsening drought. He added that the state has also sought flexibility in the rules governing drought declaration, arguing that the current situation requires an exceptional response.
He stated that a letter has already been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Union government to classify the drought as a national disaster. According to him, the impact extends beyond Karnataka, with neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Maharashtra also experiencing drought-like conditions. Given the wider regional impact, he said, a coordinated national response is necessary.
Cabinet Expansion Awaits High Command Decision
Addressing speculation over the long-pending Cabinet expansion, Parameshwara clarified that no final decision would be taken until approval is received from the Congress leadership. He noted that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Congress leaders are currently in New Delhi holding discussions with the party’s high command.
He indicated that greater clarity on the Cabinet expansion was expected soon but declined to confirm whether the process would be completed within the week.
Demand for Greater Representation for Tumakuru
Parameshwara reiterated his request for an additional ministerial position for Tumakuru district, saying its size and political significance justify stronger representation in the state Cabinet. He pointed out that although the district’s Assembly constituencies have been reduced from 13 to 11, it continues to play an important administrative and electoral role in Karnataka.
The Deputy Chief Minister also renewed his long-standing demand for establishing a second international airport in Tumakuru. He argued that the district serves as a major transit route for people travelling from nearly 20 districts to Bengaluru and acts as a gateway to North Karnataka as well as the coastal region. According to him, developing an international airport there would strengthen regional connectivity and reduce pressure on Bengaluru’s existing airport.
Comments on National Political Developments
Parameshwara also commented on the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in national-level examinations and the recent detention of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during a protest in New Delhi.
He claimed that many students had suffered because of the alleged examination issues and said the Opposition had every right to raise concerns over the matter. Referring to the protest, he described it as symbolic and alleged that the Congress leaders were detained while highlighting the issue.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation, Parameshwara said it was common for opposition parties to seek accountability from the government during such controversies. He added that demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan were also part of the political process, noting that ministers have stepped down in the past following major public controversies.