Shivakumar urges Modi to send Central team as Karnataka faces 30% rainfall deficit

On Tuesday, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send a Central team to assess the severe drought situation in Karnataka due to widespread rainfall deficits and low reservoir storage. With 74% of annual rainfall dependent on monsoon, Karnataka has received only 203 mm against the normal 292 mm, recording a 30% deficit. This has affected agriculture, drinking water availability, and hydrological conditions, impacting over 84 lakh hectares of rain-fed agricultural land. Mr. Shivakumar highlighted concerns over crop production, particularly pulses, and stressed on implementing drought mitigation measures to conserve reservoir storage for drinking water.