Karnataka Faces 'Worst Drought in Century,' Seeks Rs 7,142 Crore Central Aid

Bengaluru is buzzing as a high-level Central drought assessment team kicked off its three-day visit to Karnataka, a state grappling with what its Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, calls one of the worst droughts in a century. The team, led by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry Joint Secretary Ajit Kumar Sahu, is on the ground to verify the state's grim reality and its urgent request for Rs 7,142 crore in drought relief under NDRF norms. This isn't just about dry fields; 217 out of Karnataka 240 administrative blocks, known as Taluks, have been officially declared drought-hit, impacting nearly 47.1 lakh hectares and potentially costing the state's economy up to Rs 60,000 crore in crop losses. Compounding the crisis, the Cauvery Water Committee has continuously directed Karnataka to release water to neighboring Tamil Nadu, even as reservoirs hit critically low levels and once-lush Malnad region face severe rainfall deficits. The Central team is expected to submit an 'objective report' based on its field observations and data from state officials by October 6th. All eyes will then turn to the Centre for a swift decision on the much-needed financial aid, which is critical for supporting distressed farmers and preventing wider economic and social fallout across the state. The ongoing water scarcity is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between agricultural needs, urban demands, and inter-state water-sharing agreements, especially under intensifying climate pressures.