Decision on declaring drought by August end, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar

Stating that the State will decide on declaring a drought in rain-deficient regions across Karnataka by August end, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday (August 2, 2026) said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to meet after the Parliament session. So far, Karnataka has received 35% of the normal rainfall, he added.

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Speaking to presspersons in Bengaluru, he said that the Revenue Department will have to draw a list of taluks as drought-hit based on the NDRF norms. “Ministers will provide ground report and that will be compiled by the Revenue Department based on the norms. The final assessment would be discussed in the Cabinet and then submitted to the Government. Declaring drought-hit regions will be decided by August end.”

The Chief Minister said that though catchment areas of Cauvery and its tributaries were receiving rainfall, places such as Mandya, Mysuru and Bengaluru have not received rainfall.

He said that he had appealed to Prime Minister for time, and that he has assured to provide time. “Let parliament session end and by then rain situation is expected to improve.” When asked if the Centre would come to State’s rescue and if all party delegation was considered, he said: “We are working in federal structure. For some reasons all party delegations could not be taken in the past.”