A central drought assessment team is currently touring Karnataka to assess the ground situation in drought-affected areas, Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwara said in Bengaluru.
As Parameshwara said, the central team has been divided into three groups to conduct field inspections across the state. The assessment will continue until October 6, with individual teams taking part in about three to four districts each.
The state government has already shared information with the central team, including the drought situation and damage reported out of affected areas.
Central teams conduct ground assessment
Parameshwara said the state government wants the assessment to reflect the actual situation on the ground. The teams are visiting affected areas and interacting with farmers to understand the impact of drought.
He said the central teams have been examining the “ground truth” and assessing actual conditions in different parts of Karnataka.
The teams will initially visit the areas in the list of 101 drought-affected areas that they are to check. The Karnataka government also asked the teams to visit the remaining 77 taluks to ensure that the assessment covers a wider area.
“We have asked them to inspect the remaining 77 taluks as well,” Parameshwara said.
The deputy chief minister added that officials have provided information to the teams on behalf of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the state government.
Farmers Provide Information to Assessment Teams
As part of their field visits, the central teams have been visiting different districts and collecting information from farmers.
The interactions are to give officials a better picture of crop losses and the effects of inadequate rainfall. Parameshwara said the teams have been able to assess the situation directly rather than relying on official records.
He described the state’s assessment as a practical, ground-level study and said the field visits would help the Centre understand the extent of the damage.
Karnataka estimates ₹46,000 Crore Loss
According to Parameshwara, Karnataka has suffered losses of around ₹46,000 crore from drought.
The state government has sought between ₹10,000 crore and ₹11,000 crore in drought relief from the Centre.
The demand for financial assistance is expected to be based on the findings of the field assessment and the extent of losses reported across affected districts and taluks.
State Awaits Centre's Response
The central assessment teams are expected to complete their field visits on October 6 and submit their report to the Union government.
The Karnataka government now awaits the Centre’s decision on financial assistance after the assessment process is complete.
Parameshwara also said that the state government is considering sending a delegation to the Centre to press for drought relief.
With the field assessment coming to completion, the state government will now focus on getting financial support for farmers and other affected sections. The final decision on the quantum of relief is expected after the central government examines the assessment team’s report.
