Karnataka urges Centre to re-evaluate drought declaration norms

Siddaramaiah also urged the Centre to redefine dry spells from the existing three to four-week period to lower than two weeks of consecutive dry spells. “The manual rigidly defines dry spells assuming its impact on agriculture would be similar everywhere and in all time scales. Factors like type of soil, type of crop, temperatures and vegetative state equally matter,” due to which even a dry spell of two weeks can lead to irreversible crop damage.

The early declaration of drought is made difficult due to conditions imposed in the manual which mandates that “sowing has to be completed and a declaration has to be given by the State Governments that no further sowing is expected,” the letter said, adding it prevented the state government from undertaking immediate relief and mitigation measures.

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“While it is understandable that the norms for drought declaration are established to ensure accurate assessments and appropriate allocation of resources, it is essential to recognise that each and the regions within the state have their unique challenges and requirements. The current situation demands a more flexible approach to the existing norms,” the letter added.