Climate change is a reality and so is the fact that Karnataka is one of the most drought-prone states of India. Over 70% of the state’s geographical area falls under dry and semi-arid zones. The state’s crop production is critically dependent on monsoon rains as nearly 85 lakh hectares of land comes under rainfed agriculture and this is the second highest landmass after the desert state of Rajasthan.
Mid-July figures indicate that Karnataka faces 30% rainfall deficit due to El Nino and 18 districts report rainfall deficit. The state has reported low reservoir storage resulting in increased stress on drinking water needs and rural livelihoods.
This kind of a scenario calls for urgent, sustained as well as innovative approach because it a has bearing on social economic conditions of the state’s population.
Karnataka’s diverse socio-economic conditions pose a challenge to policy makers. One size does not fit all. The agriculture sector plays a significant role in the state, with a mix of large and small land holdings across different regions.
Population density varies with urban areas like Bengaluru having higher densities compared to other urban areas mainly due to migration of labour. Hundreds of farmers and agriculture labours are forced to either migrate towards cities for means of livelihood or adapt some emergency strategies such as; distress selling of assets and livestock,
The Government of Karnataka has initiated contingency measures and prioritised water conservation. It wants to extend timely assistance to support farmers and strengthen the State’s drought mitigation efforts.
But this kind of response needs to be demonstrated with on ground resolve and larger purpose driven steps. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar should announce hold on second airport proposal for Bengaluru and put off cabinet expansion. If civic elections can waith then even cabinet expansion can wait. Depute legislators to their constituencies and perform some groundwork. This chief minister can enforce certain tough measures and out of the box thinking as he has done during his stewardship of the Congress state unit.
