TUMAKURU
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Tuesday inspected drought-hit areas and drinking water facilities across Tumakuru district, urging officials to treat the situation as an emergency.
In Gubbi, he visited a borewell drilled under the Emergency Action Plan grant at Yaduvanahalli and reviewed water availability and supply arrangements for villagers.
In Kunigal, he visited Naganahalli and Mandanapalya, where arecanut plantations were drying because of water shortage. Farmers sought drought relief and water through the Hemavati Express Link Canal. Parameshwara said the government had approved Rs.1,000 crore for the project, with Rs.450 crore already released. He said objections from farmers in Turuvekere and Chikkanayakanahalli would be addressed through talks.
During a video conference, Parameshwara directed officials to remain at their headquarters and respond quickly to public problems. He said the new Public Service Department would help people receive quicker solutions from village offices to the state headquarters.
He said drought had severely affected groundnut, arecanut and other crops, while borewells had also dried in some areas. The government would support farmers, ensure fodder supply and improve crop insurance access. He noted that Tumakuru Milk Producers Union planned to distribute one lakh quintals of fodder seed across the district.
Parameshwara asked officials to repair rain gauges and monitor rainfall. He said weather officials had warned of worsening drought conditions in September. Officials were told to speed up employment under the VB Ji Ram Ji scheme, ensure timely wage payments and prevent migration.
In Chikkanayakanahalli, he inspected dredging work and distributed millet seeds to farmers. He ordered an inquiry into an allegation that a Gram Panchayat Development Officer had demanded money.
At a Glance
- Drought situation declared an emergency for officials
- ₹1,000 crore approved for Hemavati canal project
- ₹450 crore already released for project
- Farmers assured drought relief and water support
- One lakh quintals fodder seed distribution planned
- Employment works to prevent drought-driven migration