Central teams continue Karnataka drought assessment ahead of relief report

Inter-Ministerial Central Teams continued their assessment of drought conditions in Karnataka on Sunday, visiting affected villages across several districts and meeting farmers and government officials. The teams visited villages in Yadgir and Raichur, including Gerdada and Arakere in Saligrama taluk of Mysuru district. They also travelled to villages in Hassan and Davanagere districts as part of the second day of their field assessment.

The teams are expected to assess the extent of the drought and estimate associated losses through October 6. They will then submit their findings to the Union government in a report. The State government has already submitted two memorandums to the Centre seeking drought relief.

Karnataka has estimated its losses at about ₹46,000 crore, according to the report. The State has sought nearly ₹7,500 crore under the Centre’s relief guidelines. The requested assistance is linked to the losses Karnataka says it has suffered as a result of the drought.

During the field visits, the central teams interacted with farmers and officials concerned. The source material does not specify the findings reached during the visits or indicate when a decision on the State’s request for assistance will be made. The assessment is therefore the next formal step in the relief process.

The teams’ report is expected to provide the Centre with an on-ground account of the drought’s impact before the request for financial support is considered.