Karnataka: Delcare Kalaburgi as Drought-hit Area, Demand Farmers

Kalaburagi: The Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS), representing farmers, has called on the state government to declare Kalaburagi district as a drought-hit area.

Sharanabasappa Mamashetty, the district president of KPRS along with other family bearers submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah through the Kalaburagi district Deputy Commissioner.

Highlighting the grim situation caused by deficient monsoon, Mamashetty emphasized the urgent need to declare Kalaburagi district as drought-affected and provide compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre to farmers.

He urged the government to take swift action in distributing fodder for cattle and implementing drought relief work in the district. The farmers also asked for a waiver on their loans.

The region's underground water levels have also been significantly affected by the scarcity of rainfall, leading to the withering of irrigated crops and exacerbating the drinking water crisis. To combat these challenges, the farmers are demanding the immediate initiation of cloud seeding to stimulate rain formation and replenish water sources.

In addition to the drought declaration, the farmers also called for the prompt distribution of compensation funds to tur growers whose crops were damaged due to heavy rains a few months ago. The memorandum also included various demandes related to the farmers of the region.

Meanwhile IT-BT, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge, who also serves as the in-charge minister of Kalaburagi district affirmed that significant measures are being implemented to ensure the provision of drinking water to the people. Steps are also taken to guarantee an ample supply of drinking water and fodder for livestock.

Minister Kharge participated in a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee, led by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda at Bengaluru on Monday.

"Given the challenging circumstances faced by both urban and rural communities in Kalaburagi district due to insufficient monsoon rainfall this year, concerned authorities have been asked to make adequate arrangements," he said.