Karnataka all-party delegation on Cauvery awaits PM Modi’s appointment as 113 talukas face drought

“We have sought time for a meeting from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Water Resources Minister to take an all-party delegation to Delhi regarding Cauvery water and interstate water disputes,” he said.

Karnataka, bogged down by a deficit southwest monsoon, is likely to declare 113 talukas in 29 districts as drought-hit on Monday, 4 September.

Related: SC to hear petitions from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu on 6 September

Water resources minister meets lawyers

Siddaramaiah said that the state Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar had apprised the lawyers representing Karnataka of the ground realities.

“The water resources minister has already met the lawyers, who are arguing on behalf of our state, and convinced them of the facts. The case will come up for hearing before the Supreme Court on Wednesday and he has given appropriate direction on what our argument should be,” he told reporters.

“If the Union minister gives an appointment, we will demand the Union government to issue a gazette notification on the Upper Krishna Project. Although the Mahadayi project has been notified, forest and environment clearances are yet to be received,” he added.

“We will ask the Union government to clear the Mahadayi and Mekedatu projects. Today, the Cauvery basin is facing difficulties due to a lack of rain and drinking water. According to the water policy, drinking water should be given first priority,” the chief minister said and reiterated his government’s commitment to protecting the state’s interests.

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Drought in 113 talukas

The Siddaramaiah government is likely to declare 113 talukas in 29 districts as drought-hit areas against the backdrop of a rainfall-deficit monsoon season.

The government has already launched a drought survey across the state. The Cabinet subcommittee is likely to convene a meeting, chaired by Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda, to take a call on declaring the eligible talukas as drought-hit.

“As many as 11 talukas in Belagavi, nine in Bagalkot, seven in Shivamogga, and six talukas each in Tumakuru and Kalaburagi districts are likely to be declared drought-hit. The departments of revenue, agriculture and horticulture have conducted a joint survey in over 1,400 villages,” revenue department officials said.

Noting that the state has witnessed less rain this monsoon, Siddaramaiah said, “Overall, the rainfall has been less in the Upper Krishna catchment area this year. Rainfall was less in June and August in the state.”

“The Cabinet subcommittee has already held three meetings under the chairmanship of the revenue minister. Another meeting will be held on 4 September,” he said.

“A joint survey has been conducted in 113 taluks. It is also said that another 73 taluks too are facing drought. After conducting a joint survey, a decision will be reached on Monday,” he added.

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73% deficit in August rains

Ever since the onset of the monsoon, Karnataka has recorded a rainfall deficit of 73 percent.

According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) reports, “The state has recorded a 26 percent rain deficit since the onset of the southwest monsoon. In August, the state recorded a 73 percent rain deficit.”

“Malnad and coastal regions have recorded 80 and 72 percent rain deficit, and north and south regions have recorded 71 percent rain deficit in August. In the past 48 hours, the state has received good rainfall in parts of south and north regions,” KSNDMC said.

Siddaramaiah said that the state would seek central assistance to overcome drought. “After declaring drought, a request will be submitted to the central government for assistance to the drought-affected taluks,” he said.