Karnataka Cabinet to Finalise Strategy on Drought, Kasturirangan Report Ahead of Special Session

BENGALURU, SEPT 7: The Karnataka Cabinet is set to take up the worsening drought situation and the contentious Kasturirangan report at its meeting on Wednesday, ahead of the three-day special Assembly session scheduled from September 21 to 23.

The meeting assumes significance as the State government faces growing pressure over the rainfall deficit, crop losses and demands for immediate relief. The exclusion of several affected taluks from the drought-hit list has also triggered resentment in parts of the State.

The government has so far declared 101 taluks as drought-affected. The Cabinet is expected to review the prevailing situation and consider adding more taluks to the list. The issue is likely to figure prominently during the special Assembly session.

The government is also expected to prepare a comprehensive assessment of the drought situation, covering crop losses, drinking water availability, fodder requirements and the financial assistance required for affected farmers.

The Cabinet may also discuss seeking additional assistance from the Centre, particularly for crop-loss compensation, drinking water supply, fodder and other drought-relief measures.

The Kasturirangan report is likely to be another major issue before the Cabinet. Karnataka has consistently opposed the recommendations of the Kasturirangan panel and the Centre's draft notification on Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA), maintaining that its implementation could adversely affect farmers, local communities and economic activities in the Western Ghats region.

With the issue expected to come up for detailed discussion during the special session, Wednesday's Cabinet meeting could help finalise the State's position and its course of action before the Centre.

The September 21-23 special session is thus expected to be a crucial political test for the government, with drought management and the Western Ghats issue likely to dominate the proceedings.

The timing of the session also coincides with the D K Shivakumar-led government's completion of 100 days in office. The Cabinet is expected to review the government's performance, pending priorities and possible new programmes. Plans for a 100-day government event and announcements of new initiatives may also be discussed.

The Cabinet meeting, therefore, is expected to go beyond routine administrative business and could set the government's political and administrative strategy on drought relief and the Western Ghats issue ahead of the Opposition's challenge during the special session.