Gadag, September 1: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Tuesday that the state government will soon release a second list of drought-affected taluks after a thorough evaluation as per established guidelines.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with district-level officials at the Gadag Deputy Commissioner’s office to assess the drought situation, Shivakumar emphasized that the government must adhere to set rules when declaring areas as drought-affected.
“We need to declare drought-affected areas according to the guidelines. Accordingly, we are conducting a study and will release the second list soon,” he stated.
The Chief Minister noted that the district in-charge minister has visited each taluk and submitted reports based on ground conditions, while officials are also conducting their assessments.
“Both reports need to be reviewed, and a report must be submitted to the central government,” he added.
Shivakumar highlighted the severe plight of farmers in Gadag, describing it as the worst drought in the district in the last five decades.
“The livelihoods of farmers are at risk, and people are distressed. This year, rainfall has been about 40% below normal. I observed the situation from a helicopter. In many areas, sowing has not occurred at all. Where sowing did take place, farmers may only yield 10 to 15% of their crops,” he explained.
The Chief Minister personally visited farmers’ fields to inspect cotton, groundnut, maize, and sunflower crops.
“I have understood the gravity of the farmers’ difficulties. I spoke with them and listened to their concerns. They also mentioned how the V.B.G. Ramji scheme could help prevent migration in search of employment,” he said.
So far, only the Gadengard taluk has been declared drought-affected. However, all legislators, led by the district in-charge minister, have submitted a memorandum demanding that all taluks in Gadag be declared drought-affected.
Regarding cloud seeding, he mentioned that legislator H.K. Patil has shared his views on the proposal. Other legislators have raised issues related to irrigation, Bennihalla, and various development projects.
“We will take action on these projects, keeping the state’s financial situation in mind,” he stated.
The Chief Minister stressed that the state’s drought assessment report must align with the report prepared by the central team. “The drought assessment team coming from Delhi must accept our prepared report. Only then will the central government provide assistance,” he added.
Shivakumar noted that the government has already taken steps within its capacity, including ensuring the supply of drinking water. He mentioned that each rural assembly constituency has been allocated ₹1 crore for drinking water, and additional funds are available with deputy commissioners for emergency needs.
He also announced the launch of the ‘Praja Seva Andolan’ on September 5 to make the administration more accountable and ensure that people do not have to repeatedly visit government offices for resolution of their complaints.
Shivakumar stated that the government is also re-verifying beneficiaries and forming committee at the panchayat level to ensure that guarantee schemes reach the right beneficiaries and are not misused.
He had planned to present the government’s achievements over the first 100 days and future programs during the assembly session, but the opposition did not allow him to do so. He confirmed that he would share this information during the 100-day program.
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S.C.H.
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