Drought: karnataka government to release Rs 165 crore

Bengaluru: Describing the drought situation in the state as the ‘worst’ in 40 years, Chief Minister Siddaramamiah has asked officials to take it as a ‘challenge.’ Holding a 10-hour marathon meeting with Additional Chief Secretaries, Regional Commissioners, DCs and CEOs of all districts, Mr Siddaramaiah announced that the government would release an additional Rs 165 crore for drought relief.

Besides, Mr Siddaramaiah warned of dire action against financial institutions, which try to recover farm loans. Giving statistics of rain deficit in the state and water deficit in reservoirs, he said the government had directed officers to supply water through tankers, wherever sources were not available. The government has also relaxed the rule that the water through tankers can be supplied only for a period of 90 days, as the drought is expected to last longer.

Stating that there was no dearth of funds, Mr Siddaramaiah said the government had already released Rs 200 crore for drought relief and another Rs 135 crore was available with DCs. The government had asked the DCs to prepare an action plan by September 17 to tackle drought in their respective districts.

Meanwhile, the government had decided to set up checkposts to ensure that fodder is not transported out of the state. The respective district officials have been asked to set up cattle shelters and departments like forest, horticulture and sericulture have been asked to grow fodder.

The government has decided to disburse compensation related to farmer suicides, the task force will continue to interact with farmers and counsel them against committing suicide. Banks and cooperative institutions have been instructed not to recover farmer debts. While instructing district level officials to hold Janasamparka Sabhe every month for speedy disposal of people's petitions, Mr Siddaramaiah said the government would notify filling up of all vacant jobs in Hyderabad-Karnataka region.