A high level Central team visiting four drought affected States today took stock of the situation in drought affected areas of Karnataka. The team led by the Union Agriculture Minister, Mr. Sharad Pawar held discussions alongwith the Rural Development Minister, Mr. Jairam Ramesh with the Chief Minister Jagdish Shettar on the measures taken by the State Government in this regard. The Chief Minister informed the team that till 31st of last month coastal areas of Karnataka had 60 per cent shortfall in rain as against 35 per cent in interior areas of the State.

The Agriculture Minister said in Bangalore after the meeting that the Empowered Group of Ministers will take a decision on the contingency plan prepared by Indian Council for Agricultural Research for all 28 affected districts of Karnataka. He said so far Centre has released 12 crore rupees under National Calamity Fund to the State besides 75 crore rupees for drinking water purposes. Rural Development Minister has said that Karnataka Government has sought an amount of 250 crore rupees for meeting the drinking water needs.

The team yesterday visited Maharashtra and will go to Gujarat and Rajasthan for on the spot assessment of the drought situation.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Government has asserted that there is no shortage of manpower for implementation of drought mitigation programmes. It said the State Government would hire retired officials on contract basis at the district level for a period of one year for smooth implementation of the programmes.