State govt. to explore declaring interim drought
We will appeal to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to address the issue and he will take the final decision in the matter, says Satish Jarkiholi
The Karnataka State government is evaluating the possibility of declaring an interim drought to address the adverse effects of erratic rainfall on agriculture. This decision is pending the Union government's announcement on the matter. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was consulted on the matter, with the final decision resting with him.
If the rains fail to materialize in the upcoming days, the drought could potentially spread to other regions. The State government is contemplating temporary relief measures and will determine the appropriate assistance to be provided.
Monitoring of the drought situation is underway in three taluks within the Belagavi district. Although 95% of the sowing process has been completed, the health of the crops has been impacted by the irregular rainfall. Damage has been reported in at least 65,000 hectares of farmland. There is also a risk of further crop damage.
A report will be submitted to the State government within 10 days following an additional survey. A comprehensive report will subsequently be submitted to the Central government. The Minister convened an Irrigation Consultative Committee meeting for the Malaprabha reservoir, where a decision will be made regarding water release for crops while ensuring sufficient water is set aside for drinking purposes until next July.
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