Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the state is facing a worsening power crisis alongside drought conditions in more than 200 taluks and will seek assistance from the Centre during a proposed meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.
Shivakumar said farmers had lost crops and that shortages of water and electricity were adding to the difficulties across the state. He said he would request the Centre to release drought-relief funds for Karnataka and would seek an appointment with the prime minister after completing his scheduled programmes.
The chief minister said Karnataka’s electricity demand had reached about 20,000 megawatts, creating a serious challenge for supply. He also said some states were being forced to purchase power at between ₹20 and ₹22 per unit, while electricity was not consistently available in the market.
“Everyone is facing difficulties. We are trying to manage the situation,” Shivakumar said, according to Prajavani. He said he had instructed the Energy Department to examine the power situation and protect consumers’ interests.
The state government has also held discussions with sugar factories over electricity supply. Shivakumar said some farmers and representatives of sugar factories had been called for discussions and that certain restrictions might be necessary. Power generated by the factories, he said, could not be sold elsewhere and would have to be supplied to the government.
The chief minister also warned that coal stocks at thermal power plants would need close monitoring. He said authorities must track the quantity of coal available at plants where thermal power is being generated and remain cautious about the situation. He added that the issue was not limited to Karnataka and that he was monitoring conditions in other states as well.
The pressure on the power system comes as drought conditions affect agricultural production and increase the importance of reliable electricity for irrigation and rural livelihoods. The chief minister said the state was attempting to manage the situation while seeking additional support from the Union government.
Shivakumar said that when he had previously served as energy minister, he monitored electricity availability daily. He did not announce a specific date for the proposed meeting with the prime minister. He said he would travel to Delhi after his current programmes and request time to present Karnataka’s demand for drought relief and discuss the state’s power situation.
