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Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday expressed concern over the severe drought situation in the state. He said that due to huge decline in ground water level and failure of crops, the risk of shortage of drinking water and electricity may increase in the coming days. Due to drought in many areas, crops could not even be sown.

Speaking to reporters in his hometown Kanakapura, CM Shivkumar said that drought has already been declared in 100 taluks of the state. The process of declaring other areas also as drought affected on the basis of set criteria is going on. The government is considering options to increase thermal power generation and draw additional power from the national grid to meet the power demand.

Electricity demand crossed 19 thousand MW

The Chief Minister said that last week the demand for electricity in Karnataka had reached more than 19,000 MW. To meet the demand during evening peak hours, the government had to buy electricity at the rate of Rs 11 to 13 per unit. He has asked Energy Minister KJ George to discuss this issue in detail and talk to neighboring states regarding the availability of electricity. Shivakumar said that the demand for water, electricity and land from investors is continuously increasing in Karnataka.

Along with increasing thermal power production, the government is also considering taking electricity from coal producing areas. He said that under the 'One Nation, One Grid' system, electricity can also be brought to Karnataka from other parts of the country. Transmission charge will have to be paid for this.

Discussion on farmers in the special session of the Assembly

A special session of the Assembly has been called from September 21 to 23 to discuss the losses and problems faced by farmers due to drought. In this, two days have been kept for discussion on the issue of drought. The Chief Minister said that MLAs from different parties will be able to raise the problems of their respective areas in the House. He clearly said that there will be no party politics on the issue of drought. Areas where drought conditions are severe and meet the prescribed standards will soon be declared drought-hit.

Cabinet meeting in Dakshina Kannada on September 18

Chief Minister Shivakumar said that the first meeting of the state cabinet will be held in the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada on September 18. In the meeting, there will be discussion on stopping migration and improving the condition of people by using the resources of the area. Many programs and new initiatives will be announced during this period.