Administration asked to measure up as Karnataka faces drought situation

Bengaluru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recently directed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure no farmer suffers due to administrative apathy on account of the current drought-prone situation in the State.

Addressing a meeting of officers at Vidhana Soudha, he said drinking water, fodder for animals, insurance for crop losses, and digging of borewells must be implemented to mitigate water problems in rural pockets of the state.”

“In the days to come, we should be prepared to handle any crisis arising out of drought. All the data and statistics generated by officials will be cross-checked with ground realities,” he said.  

“Our government is proactively engaging all stakeholders to help the farming sector, particularly those in rural Karnataka during this period. Karnataka is facing a massive rainfall deficit this time. Sowing is at 32 percent. Around 82 percent of the districts, except five to six, are facing deficient rainfall,” he said.

“Reservoirs are staring at dead storage, and hence the priority remains drinking water. Officers should go to the fields and take stock of the situation. Any anomaly or misdeeds will be dealt with seriously. Duplicate billing of borewells or raising fresh bills for already dug borewells will not be tolerated,” he warned officials.

“In the days to come, Central government committees will visit your areas for inspection. You should be well prepared with facts and figures and present them effectively,” he cautioned officials.