Karnataka special session on drought crisis, Western Ghats report begins September 21

A three-day special session of the Karnataka legislature will begin on September 21 to discuss two major issues before the state: the drought situation and the Kasturirangan report on ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats.

While the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP and JD(S) are expected to broadly agree in opposing the Kasturirangan report, the drought issue is likely to trigger sharp exchanges. The opposition has accused the government of failing to manage the situation and provide adequate relief to farmers, while the Congress has alleged a lack of support from the Centre.

The special session has been convened because the legislature could not take up the drought situation and the state's response to the Centre's draft notification on the Western Ghats ecologically sensitive area during last month's monsoon session. That session was disrupted and cut short amid the opposition's protest demanding the resignation of minister B Nagendra. The seventh draft, based on the Kasturirangan report, was issued by the Union government on July 27, 2026, giving 60 days for objections. Karnataka has repeatedly rejected the Centre's draft notifications. The latest draft proposes to declare 56,000 sq km across six states as an Environmentally Sensitive Area. In Karnataka, 20,668 sq km covering 33 taluks and 1,449 villages in 10 districts -- Belagavi, Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Hassan, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru, Shivamogga and Udupi -- falls under its scope. The state has said this will adversely affect farmers' livelihoods and future development.

The session also comes as many parts of Karnataka are reeling under drought. So far, 124 taluks have been declared drought-hit and assessment is continuing in other areas. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, speaking to reporters in Sakleshpura on Sunday, said the government had convened the special session to discuss issues concerning the people, including the Kasturirangan report. He said members of both Houses would be given an opportunity to express their views. Pointing out that discussions had already been held with MLAs and people's representatives from several districts, Shivakumar said public opinion had been gathered in Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan and Shivamogga districts. He added that the government would consider the problems faced by residents of the affected areas while making its decision.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the losses caused by drought, assistance to farmers and the relief sought from the Union government would also be discussed during the session, and the opposition's views would be taken into consideration. He said discussions would also be held on seeking drought relief and a waiver of farmers' loans from the Centre. According to him, the state government intends to take the opposition into confidence and present Karnataka's demands before the Union government.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, however, alleged that the Congress government was only spending time on announcements and asked it to show commitment through action even before the special session begins on September 21. "Months have passed since the drought began. Farmers are in distress due to crop loss. We have demanded compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre. For constituencies facing drinking water problems, we have insisted that Rs 10 crore each be released and that necessary works, including emergency borewells, be taken up. But the government has so far not taken adequate relief measures," he alleged.

Referring to the special session, Ashoka said: "Discussion is welcome. But even before the discussion, people and farmers must have the confidence that the government has money and that it is working. At the very least, release Rs 10 crore each for drinking water." He also demanded a white paper on drought relief. On the Kasturirangan report, he said the BJP would clearly present its stand in the special session and added that the lives of local people and the environment must both be viewed in balance. Recalling the background of the report, he said: "During the UPA government, after the Gadgil report on the Western Ghats, a high-level working group headed by Kasturirangan was formed. The Kasturirangan committee submitted its report in 2013. Therefore, the Congress, before levelling allegations against the BJP on this issue, must first explain its own past stand and decisions to the people."

The special session is set to focus on Karnataka's response to the Western Ghats draft notification and the drought crisis, with likely agreement across parties on the first issue and sharp political differences on the second.