BENGALURU
The Karnataka government has begun steps to declare Kudligi taluk in Vijayanagar district as drought affected because of inadequate rainfall, Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara said in the Assembly on Monday. He was replying to a question raised by MLA N.T. Srinivas during Question Hour.
Parameshwara said the assessment is being carried out according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare’s Manual for Drought Management 2020. Officials are examining rainfall shortages, sowing progress, vegetation conditions through satellite data, soil moisture and water availability. Field inspections are also being conducted through a mobile application before a decision is taken according to the prescribed rules.
He said priority has been given to drought relief works under the VBG Ram Ji scheme to prevent farmers and daily wage workers from migrating to cities in search of employment. The works focus on conserving water, improving groundwater recharge and increasing soil moisture. Activities include desilting lakes and ponds, building farm pits, check dams, nala bunds, recharge pits, field bunds and contour trenches.
The Deputy Chief Minister said these measures are intended to strengthen drought resistance and protect livelihoods while helping children continue their education without interruption. Officials have been instructed to create employment opportunities locally and reduce migration caused by rainfall shortages.
In Vijayanagar district, 38,126 wage workers had received employment under the scheme by August 13. In Kudligi taluk, 6,555 workers had been provided work. At present, 29 works are underway in the taluk, generating 21,943 person-days of employment. The government said continued monitoring and relief activities would support affected families while the drought assessment progresses.
AT A GLANCE
- Kudligi being considered for drought-hit taluk declaration
- Drought assessment follows transparent, evidence-based government guidelines
- 38,126 workers employed across Vijayanagar district
- Kudligi provided employment to 6,555 wage laborers
- 29 ongoing works generated 21,943 man-days
- Water conservation works prioritized to prevent migration
