Bengaluru, Oct 19 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said the drought situation across large parts of the state remained “extremely serious”, with severe losses in food production and worsening shortages of fodder and drinking water.
The state government is preparing a third memorandum seeking drought-relief funds from the Centre and is expected to submit it within the next two days, he said, adding that the government was undertaking relief measures using its own resources without waiting for central assistance.
Speaking to reporters here, Parameshwara, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, said he had visited several drought-hit areas, including parts of North Karnataka, and interacted with farmers to assess the situation.
“Although some areas have received rainfall recently, the severity of the drought has not reduced across much of the state,” he said.
Food production has suffered an estimated 82 per cent loss, while fodder availability for livestock has declined and drinking water shortages have become increasingly serious, he said.
Drinking water is being supplied through tankers and hired private borewells in several areas. However, the situation could worsen if existing water sources dry up, making it difficult to sustain tanker supplies, he added.
Parameshwara said drought-hit areas had been identified and crop losses assessed in accordance with the Union government’s prescribed guidelines, adding that the state was seeking assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms based on these assessments.
“The third memorandum seeking drought relief is being prepared and is expected to be ready within the next two days. It will then be submitted to the union government,” he said.
He had recently said that 226 taluks in the state had been declared drought-hit, with estimated losses due to drought likely to exceed Rs 60,000 crore.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar would decide whether to lead a delegation to the Centre or nominate the Deputy CM or another delegation to submit the memorandum, Parameshwara said.
The CM had earlier proposed taking an all-party delegation to the Centre. However, differences among Opposition parties over participating in the delegation had necessitated further discussions on the way forward, he added.
Urging the Centre to release the required assistance, Parameshwara said the funds would provide relief to farmers and others affected by the drought.
“The state government is not waiting for central funds. We are using our own resources to undertake drought-relief measures and address drinking water shortages,” he said.
Deputy commissioners and Zilla Panchayat chief executive oficers are monitoring the situation at the district level, while tankers and private borewells are being deployed wherever necessary, he added.
Parameshwara alleged that the Centre had not released any funds for works under the VB-G RAM G scheme so far, forcing the state to continue financing them from its own resources.
“The state government is spending around Rs 1,250 crore solely to provide Rs 2,500 each to farmers as drought relief,” he said, adding that the government remained committed to addressing the difficulties faced by farmers and the public.
On the ongoing sting operation controversy and the political allegations and counter-allegations surrounding it, Parameshwara said the developments were “certainly not healthy”.
“Those holding responsible positions, including union ministers (referring to H D Kumaraswamy), should consider their stature, responsibilities and the consequences of their statements,” he said.
Public allegations involving CMs, former CMs and other senior political leaders were creating an unpleasant situation, he said, urging restraint in public statements.
“It would be better not to continue discussing the issue extensively in public. Restraint is preferable to repeated reactions,” he said.
Asked whether the controversy was affecting the government’s image, Parameshwara said the CM and other members of the government would discuss how to protect its dignity and communicate the facts to the public.
“It is not appropriate for one person to immediately respond every time another makes an allegation. The country has a legal system, and whatever action is required will be taken within the framework of law,” he said.
State Home Minister Priyank Kharge was taking the necessary steps, and the CM had spoken on the matter as well, he added.
Asked about speculation that a Dalit leader could become CM during the present term, with his own name and those of Priyank Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge being mentioned, Parameshwara said he had no information about such a move.
“If I myself do not know about it, how has the media come to know? There must at least be some basis for any discussion. It is not right to create speculation without any basis,” he said.
Reacting to Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy’s statements about returning to state politics and the BJP and JD(S) coming to power in 2028, Parameshwara said the electoral outcome could not be predicted in advance.
“No one can predict today who will come to power in 2028. The people of Karnataka will decide that. If Kumaraswamy wants to return to state politics, who can stop him? If he wishes, he can resign from his present position tomorrow itself and become active in state politics. In politics, no one can prevent another person from participating,” Parameshwara added.
(PTI News)
