Drought Crisis: Centre Rushes Teams to Karnataka and Maharashtra as Shivraj Singh Chouhan Vows Personal Visit

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on [date] that the Central Government will dispatch teams to Karnataka and Maharashtra to assess the drought situation. A central team is scheduled to visit Karnataka on October 3, while a separate team will be sent to Maharashtra following concerns raised by the state's Chief Minister. Chouhan also stated that he, along with his team, will personally visit the drought-affected states.

The announcement comes amid growing distress in parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, where deficient monsoon rains have severely impacted agricultural activities and water availability. The central teams are expected to evaluate the extent of crop damage, water scarcity, and the need for additional relief measures. Chouhan's decision to visit the states underscores the Centre's focus on addressing the crisis, which has affected millions of farmers and rural households.

The central assessment will likely inform decisions on financial assistance, crop insurance claims, and other support mechanisms. The visits could also have political implications, as both Karnataka and Maharashtra are key states with significant agrarian populations. The government's response will be closely watched by farmers' groups, opposition parties, and state authorities, who are pressing for urgent relief. Further details on the teams' findings and any subsequent aid packages are awaited.