Drought Declaration: More Taluks To Be Listed in 15 Days, Says Shivakumar
State faces 42–43% rainfall deficit as crop damage spreads across several districts
Bagalkot: With Karnataka staring at a severe rainfall deficit and widespread crop damage, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said the government would decide within 15 days on declaring more taluks drought-hit.
Speaking to reporters at Kudalasangama in Bagalkot district during his visit to assess the drought situation, he said Karnataka was facing a 42–43 per cent rainfall deficit, with severe crop damage reported in several districts.
“Already 101 taluks have been declared drought-hit, while reports from other areas were being examined before taking a decision in phases. Reports submitted by district in-charge ministers and officials would be considered in accordance with the Centre’s guidelines, while a scientific assessment of the remaining taluks was also under way. The government would take a decision on the basis of the findings,” he said.
Shivakumar said his recent visits to Gadag, Dharwad and Haveri had also brought to light the extent of crop damage. Several taluks in these districts were facing drought conditions, but all of them had not yet been covered under the drought declaration.
“Reports have been obtained and are being examined. A decision on the remaining taluks will be taken in the second and third phases,” he said.
He pointed out that the Centre’s guidelines prescribed the period of inadequate rainfall required for declaring an area drought-hit. In Gadag district, for instance, only one of the six taluks had so far been declared drought-hit.
The Chief Minister said that the agricultural conditions in several areas, including Gadag and Hubballi-Dharwad, have been affected.
Shivakumar also spoke about the concerns over the water availability.
“Some water has reached the Krishna River, but the inflows have not been sufficient in other rivers, including the Cauvery. Tamil Nadu is seeking water for its crops. Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Minister Cheluvarayaswamy and I discussed the issue at length and took appropriate measures. Instead of releasing water from the KRS, water is being released from the Kabini. The interests of farmers are important to the government,” he said.
