There is no shortage of funds to handle drought, says Eshwar Khandre

There is no shortage of funds to handle drought, says Eshwar Khandre left RDPR Minister Eshwar Khandre participated in a felicitation programme organised by Shivamogga District chapter of Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha on October 25, 2026 S.K. Dinesh S.K. Dinesh https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/r05kqs/article71623117.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/9911_25_10_2026_16_27_40_4_VEERASHIVAAWARDS10.JPG S_K_ Dinesh Shivamogga Karnataka 25-10-2026 RDPR Minister Eshwar Khandre participated in a felicitation programme organised by Shivamogga District chapter of Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha in Shivamogga on Sunday. He accepted the Keladi Shivappa Nayaka award on behalf of his father late Bheemanna Khandre. Photo by S.K. Dinesh

Officers have been instructed to ensure drinking water supply either through tankers or by hiring private borewells

Shivamogga

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre has said that there is no shortage of funds to handle the drought situation in the State. The State government has released ₹306 crore for drinking water supply and other drought-relief works.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to Shivamogga on Sunday (October 25, 2026), Mr. Khandre said that, in addition to this amount, the Deputy Commissioners also had sufficient funds at their disposal. "The State government is well prepared to handle the drought. There is no shortage of funds to ensure drinking water supply in rural areas," he said.

Drought report: On southwest monsoon, drought in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Drought report: On southwest monsoon, drought in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh The Centre must help States once inter-ministerial team gives finding Drought report: On southwest monsoon, drought in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh editorial 1

Officers have been instructed to ensure drinking water supply either through tankers or by hiring private borewells. "There is no need to worry. If any borewell dries up, an alternative arrangement will be made within 24 hours. We are prepared to handle the situation in rural areas," he said.

On the elections to rural local bodies, Mr. Khandre said that the State government had already issued the draft notification on the delimitation of constituencies and reservation. The elections would be held either at the end of December or in January 2027. "The deadline for filing objections to the draft notification was October 19. The final notification will be issued after the objections are reviewed," he said.

BJP leader Hartal Halappa urges Karnataka Govt to ensure at least seven-hour power supply to agri pump sets during day time BJP leader Hartal Halappa urges Karnataka Govt to ensure at least seven-hour power supply to agri pump sets during day time Mr. Halappa said farmers in Hosanagara, Sagar, Sorab, Shivamogga Rural and Ripponpet, among other places in the district, were facing disruptions in power supply BJP leader Hartal Halappa urges Karnataka Govt to ensure at least seven-hour power supply to agri pump sets during day time storyline 1 Felicitation

Mr. Khandre took part in a felicitation programme organised by the Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha in Shivamogga. The Mahasabha had chosen his late father, Bheemanna Khandre, for the Keladi Shivappa Nayaka Award for 2023-24. Mr. Eshwar Khandre received the award on his father's behalf.

Responding to the Mahasabha's demand to declare Malnad as "Keladi Karnataka," the Minister said he would discuss the matter with the Chief Minister.

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister writes to PM, HM, Agriculture Minister seeking urgent release of drought relief Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister writes to PM, HM, Agriculture Minister seeking urgent release of drought relief He has appealed to opposition parties to set aside political differences and cooperate on an issue concerning the interests of Karnataka, and join the all-party delegation to meet the Prime Minister to seek release of drought relief funds Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister writes to PM, HM, Agriculture Minister seeking urgent release of drought relief storyline 1

Major Deeksha C. Mudadevannanavar of the Indian Army Medical Corps, who became the first woman officer to receive the Para Special Forces' Balidaan Badge, was honoured with the Keladi Chennamma Award.

Member of Parliament B.Y. Raghavendra, seers of various mutts were present at the programme.