Karnataka seeks ₹7,143 crore from Centre for drought relief

Karnataka has formally requested ₹7,143 crore in Central aid to address the severe drought conditions affecting the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Shivakumar engaged with an Inter-Ministerial Central Team that travelled to Karnataka to evaluate the extent of drought impact and crop losses across affected regions.

The visiting Central team's assessment will form the basis for determining the quantum of financial support the state receives from the Union government's disaster relief funds. Such evaluations typically examine factors including rainfall deficiency, area affected, crop damage quantification, and livestock losses to calibrate assistance levels.

Drought conditions have severely impacted Karnataka's agricultural sector, with multiple districts reporting significant crop failure and water scarcity. The state government's submission to the Centre details the scale of agricultural distress and infrastructure requirements needed for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The Central team's visit represents the initial phase of the formal assessment process required under national disaster management protocols. The findings will inform whether the state qualifies for enhanced Central assistance and the disbursement mechanism for drought relief funds.