Drought-like conditions, driven by insufficient snowfall during winter and scant rainfall this summer, have severely impacted apple orchards and other crops alike.

The drought-prone Marathwada region in the central part of the state comprises eight districts – Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Hingoli, Dharashiv, Latur, Parbhani and Nanded.

The Congress also warned the government of intense agitation if there is delay in distributing necessary assistance to the distressed farmers.

 Kerala is headed towards a drought situation. As per the CGWB (Central Ground Water Board), 54.55 per cent groundwater has already been used up in the state.

The Congress hails the decision as victory for the farmers and state government.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “In October itself we have given three memorandums, after that the central team came and inspected and gave a report. On December 19, I met the Prime Minister and on December 20 met Amit Shah. I told him about the report and requested him to hold a meeting and give us relief.”

CM Siddaramaiah said BJP’s alliance partner and Janata Dal(Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy should have asked Shah, who is on a visit to the State for Lok Sabha election campaigning, to give drought relief assistance to the State.

Accusing the Centre of sitting on Karnataka’s pleas for release of funds though there is a severe drought, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the state government was compelled to approach the apex court.

In a recent development, most schools and colleges in Bengaluru have shifted to online mode. Work from home until the monsoon hits the state is a call echoing from several parts of the city.