Karnataka seeks Rs 4,860 crore from NDRF as drought relief

BENGALURU: The State Government has estimated that the crop damages owing to drought at Rs 30,000 crore and a compensation of Rs 4,860 crore has been sought from the Central Government as per the guidelines laid down in the Natural Disaster Response Force (NDRF), said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Speaking to reporters in Chitradurga on Friday, the Chief Minister said the State has reported crop loss in about 42 lakh hectares which is about 52 percent of the total agricultural area and the Central team which is currently on a tour to Karnataka to assess drought situation have been apprised on the prevailing situation.

Continuing, he said, the Central team will visit 11 districts of the State spread in three teams and based on their report, the Central Government would initiate steps to release funds to tackle drought in the State.

Siddaramaiah said there has been no rainfall in the catchment areas of Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir in Mandya district and 195 taluks in Karnataka have been declared drought affected out of 236 taluks.

He urged the Central Government to release Rs 5,300 crore announced by it for the Upper Bhadra Project to provide drinking water to areas such as Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga and others and stated that after making the announcement to release Rs 5,300 crore for Upper Bhadra Project but no funds has been released so far.

He said that his government has accorded top priority for irrigation projects and special emphasis will be given for Upper Krishna Project.

The Chief Minister termed the alliance between Janata Dal Secular and Bharatiya Janata Party as “unholy” and ruled out opening 1,000 liquor shops in the State.

Chief Minister said that there is no dearth of funds to carry out programmes or for the 5-guarantees schemes such as free power supply, free bus travel for women, Rs 2,000 cash benefit scheme for women and Anna Bhagya scheme.