Karnataka: CM asks for report on drought-relief measures by Nov. 15

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday asked respective District incharge Ministers to undertake a tour of drought affected taluks and submit a report on the extent of drought in affected taluks and also state on the relief measures initiated to tackle drought. The status of the drought report should be submitted by November 15.

Meanwhile, a meeting of Janata Dal Secular (JDS) leaders decided to embark upon a tour of drought-hit areas of the State and formed various teams to study drought. The JDS asked its leaders to submit their reports by November 18. The report of JDS on drought status would be submitted to the State Government through respective Deputy Commissioners.

In Karnataka, out of 236 taluks, 216 have been declared as drought hit by the State Government owing to deficit rainfall this season. The State Government has assessed the losses owing to drought at Rs 33, 770 crore and sought drought-relief of Rs 17, 901 crore from the Central Government to tackle drought situation.

In a release here, Chief Minister said directions have been issued to Deputy Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Panchayat on drought management and now the respective district incharge Ministers have been asked to go on a tour of affected taluks on priority basis and to have firsthand information on drinking water, fodder availability, crop losses among other details. The Chief Minister also directed district incharge Ministers to cattle care houses along with MLAs of particular Assembly seats, generation of jobs among others.

The district incharge Ministers have been asked to issue necessary directions to officials concerned to handle drought relief in an effective way, the release added.