Karnataka is heading toward a difficult period as drought conditions worsen across several areas, with falling groundwater levels, crop losses and rising electricity demand adding pressure on the state government.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has expressed concern over the possibility of shortages of drinking water and electricity in the coming days. He said the government is examining several options to strengthen power availability, including increasing thermal power generation and obtaining additional electricity through the national grid.
Speaking to reporters in Kanakapura, Shivakumar said drought has already been declared in around 100 taluks. The process of identifying additional drought affected areas is continuing based on the prescribed criteria.
He said the situation is particularly worrying because groundwater levels have fallen considerably this year. Crops have been damaged in several locations, while farmers in some areas have been unable to cultivate their land because of inadequate water availability.
Electricity demand has also emerged as a major concern. Shivakumar said demand crossed 19,000 megawatts last week. During the evening peak period, the state was reportedly forced to purchase electricity at rates ranging from Rs 11 to Rs 13 per unit.
The government is now looking at ways to manage the increasing requirement. Shivakumar said he had instructed Energy Minister KJ George to discuss the issue with neighbouring states and explore possible arrangements for additional electricity.
The state is also considering an increase in thermal power generation. Shivakumar said electricity could be sourced from areas where coal is available, while additional power can also be brought into Karnataka through the One Nation One Grid system.
However, importing electricity from other parts of the country would involve transmission charges. The government is therefore examining the financial and supply aspects before deciding on the measures needed to meet future demand.
The drought situation will also receive attention during the special legislative session scheduled from September 21 to 23. According to Shivakumar, two days have been set aside specifically to discuss the difficulties faced by farmers because of drought.
He said legislators from different political parties would have an opportunity to raise issues concerning their constituencies during the session. The government would not consider party politics while assessing areas for drought declaration, he added.
Shivakumar said areas that experience severe drought and meet the required criteria would be declared drought affected without unnecessary delay. The government is continuing its assessment of regions that have not yet received the official designation.
Meanwhile, the state cabinet is scheduled to hold a meeting in Dakshina Kannada on September 18. Shivakumar said the government plans to discuss several initiatives aimed at improving employment opportunities in the coastal region and reducing migration.
The government intends to focus on using local resources to create better opportunities and improve living conditions, according to the Chief Minister. Several programmes and new initiatives are expected to be announced during the cabinet meeting.
During his visit to his constituency, Shivakumar also inspected a hostel and discussed student welfare with officials. He said students from districts including Kalaburagi, Raichur, Haveri and Bidar stay in hostels in Kanakapura for their education.
He stressed that authorities need to keep track of students welfare, the functioning of hostel wardens and the overall environment in which children are staying. He compared the responsibility of the government to the trust parents place in institutions when they leave their children in their care.
Shivakumar also spoke about the governments Praja Seva programme. He said Congress legislators would participate in the initiative, while some members may need additional information about the programme and the departments involved.
The objective of the initiative, he said, is to bring administration closer to the public, address grievances and ensure government schemes reach beneficiaries on time.
On the question of filling vacant ministerial positions, Shivakumar said the decision would be taken after the Congress party gives direction to the government. He indicated that the government would act once the party provides its instructions.
With drought, water availability and electricity demand emerging as major challenges, the coming weeks are likely to be important for Karnataka. The government will have to balance immediate requirements with longer term measures while assessing the needs of farmers and other communities affected by the changing conditions.
