CM calls drought review meeting

Chief minister Siddaramaiah has convened a two-day conference of deputy commissioners and top officials of various departments from January 30 in Bengaluru to discuss the drought scenario in the state and implementation of relief works.

Karnataka is witnessing one of its worst ever droughts in the last 46 years. The southwest monsoon (between June and September) has failed totally. The rainfall deficiency during the northeast monsoon which began in October at one point touched 79% surpassing the previous worst ever deficiency recorded in 1988 (76%). 

Sources in the chief minister’s office said the two-day meeting will discuss relief works for next three months besides steps to meet drinking water needs as levels in reservoirs are depleting by the day. Foodgrain production will be discussed as rabi cultivation continues to be below average - of the targeted area of 32.25 lakh hectares, rabi crop has been sown only in 22.48 lakh hectares so far.