Bengaluru, July 19 -- Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara on Sunday directed district administrations to accord top priority to drinking water supply and ensure that wildlife does not face hardships as the state grapples with a severe drought.

Chairing a video conference with Deputy Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Panchayats under the leadership of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at Vidhana Soudha, Parameshwara reviewed the drought situation, drinking water availability, cattle fodder, agriculture and employment measures across the state.

Calling the meeting "very important", Parameshwara said Karnataka was witnessing a severe drought, with the State recording a 68 per cent rainfall defic...