Drought-hit areas to be declared in next Cabinet meeting, said Karnataka CM

BENGALURU: A report has been awaited by the State Government from 136 taluks of the State before a declaration of drought-hit areas in Karnataka is made owing to deficit rainfall this season and the next cabinet meeting would decide on drought declaration, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

He told mediapersons in Mysuru city during his visit on Monday that 62 taluks are fit to be declared as drought-hit areas in the State as per the guidelines framed by the Central Government and a survey is being conducted to determine the conditions in 136 other taluks before a declaration of drought-hit areas is announced.

Over release of water to Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of adopting dual stand and said the BJP leaders agreed to extend support to the State Government on Cauvery water dispute at the all-party meeting held in Bengaluru recently but changed their stance and indulged in politics.

Siddaramaiah asked the BJP leaders to meet leaders in the Central Government and impress upon the Cauvery Water Management Authority to clear the proposed Mekedatu project across River Cauvery and the Mekedatu project would be a solution to solve the water sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu.

He said he sought time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take an all-party delegation to the Central Government to discuss on the ground realities in Karnataka owing to deficit rainfall this season and asked BJP Lok Sabha members to avail appointment with the Prime Minister. Siddaramaiah stated that as per water policy, drinking water is the top priority and all efforts would be made to protect the interests of the farmers.