CH NEWS, TUMAKURU
Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara said Karnataka is facing severe drought because of inadequate rainfall in several regions.
He assured farmers and the public that the government would stand with them and provide necessary relief during the difficult period.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to drought-hit areas in Sira taluk, he said crops had suffered heavy damage. Ten taluks of Tumakuru district are facing drought, while drinking water shortages have also emerged in some places. He said Rs. 5 crore had been allocated to each district for drinking water arrangements and Rs. 1 crore to each Assembly constituency.
The Chief Minister has assigned ministers to review drought conditions across districts. Parameshwara said he would inspect several taluks and prepare a detailed report with officials. The state has requested central assistance, but no response has come so far. Drought conditions are reported in 240 taluks, he said.
He said formal drought declaration must follow Union government guidelines and a detailed assessment. Once reports are completed, compensation for crop losses will be considered. He will visit Sira, Pavagada, Madhugiri and Koratagere on Monday, followed by Gubbi, Tiptur, Chikkanayakanahalli and Turuvekere on Tuesday. Officials will review crop conditions, water needs and other urgent problems.
Parameshwara also said insurance companies must release pending crop compensation without delay. He said many farmers had paid premiums but were still waiting for payments. He questioned how farmers could trust the insurance system if claims were not settled on time. He said claims about Bangladeshi nationals should be judged only using verified data.
Major highlights of Madhugiri Review Meeting
- Jal Jeevan Mission: 442 works have not yet started.
- Contractors: Delaying contractors will be blacklisted.
- Drinking Water: 285 of 1,468 units are contaminated.
- Employment: Strict action will follow job-delivery lapses.
- Drought Relief: 51,000 works have been approved.
- Water Funds: ₹78 lakh allocated across four taluks.
- Crop Situation: Low rainfall has severely damaged crops.
- Monitoring: DC and CEO must review progress weekly.
Tumakuru to distribute fodder seeds amid drought crisis
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said one lakh quintals of fodder seeds will be distributed across Tumakuru district to support farmers during the drought. Ten thousand quintals will reach each taluk, encouraging farmers with water facilities to grow fodder. Pavagada currently has fodder stock for 12 weeks, while more fodder will be purchased from farmers. Parameshwara said poor rainfall has severely damaged groundnut crops, with sowing falling sharply. The government has allocated funds for drinking water and urged people to use water carefully. He said ministers will assess drought conditions and submit a report to the Centre by month-end.
