Karnataka Requests Rs 20,585 Crore from NDRF as Drought Losses Exceed Rs 62,481 Crore, Deputy CM Writes to PM Modi

The government of Karnataka has urgently requested financial assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) amounting to ₹20,585 crore due to significant losses suffered from drought conditions. The Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, has formally reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting that the total economic damages caused by the drought have surpassed ₹62,481 crore.

In his letter, Shivakumar detailed the dire situation across the state, underscoring the adverse impact of the prolonged dry spell on agricultural production, which is vital for the livelihoods of numerous farmers. He noted that the recurrent nature of droughts in the region has compounded the financial burdens faced by the state government and, more importantly, its farming community.

To further emphasize the urgency of the situation, Shivakumar outlined the various measures the state has undertaken to mitigate the effects of the drought, including providing aid to farmers and other affected individuals. However, he stressed that additional funding from the central government is critical to effectively address the escalating crisis and help restore stability in the agricultural sector.

The appeal comes amid rising concerns about food security and the economic implications for the rural population in Karnataka, with the government seeking timely support to alleviate the hardships faced by those affected. The state is hopeful for a swift response from the central government to assist in managing this natural calamity effectively.