Overview
- Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the government will announce a second list of drought-hit taluks after fresh assessments that follow prescribed guidelines and will be submitted to the Central drought team.
- Shivakumar described Gadag as facing its worst drought in five decades with rainfall roughly 40% below normal and large areas either unsown or likely to yield only 10–15% of a crop.
- Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara reported a 55% June–August rainfall deficit in Mysuru, said eight taluks are severely affected, and estimated crop loss there at about ₹122 crore with nearly half of sown area damaged.
- The state has moved short-term measures including ₹1 crore per rural Assembly constituency for drinking water, extra funds with Deputy Commissioners, ₹25 crore for fodder kits, beneficiary re-verification and a Praja Seva Andolana public grievance drive starting September 5.
- Political pressure is rising: BJP leaders have launched the Ballari Chalo padyatra demanding loan waivers and a special Assembly session while local BJP protests in Kalaburagi have given the government an eight-day deadline and threatened a bandh if the district is not included.