State declares 69 taluks drought-hit

The Karnataka government on Tuesday declared 69 taluks in 20 districts of the state as drought affected. It would take up relief measures in these taluks with immediate effect.

The high-level meeting, chaired by chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda, took a decision in this regard, here.

Under the guidelines issued in 2004, the area, which has received less than the average rainfall with a continuous dry spell for four weeks, will be declared drought-hit. Accordingly, barring the irrigated areas, the rest of the areas in the 69 taluks have been declared as drought affected, a statement from the chief minister’s office stated.

The taluks that are declared drought-hit are identified in the districts of Ramanagar (2), Kolar (3), Chikkaballapur (3), Tumkur (5), Chitradurga (4), Chamarajanagar (4), Mysore (3), Mandya (5), Bellary (6), Koppal (4), Raichur (5), Gulbarga (7), Yadgir (2), Bidar, Bagalkot (3), Bijapur (4). Gadag (2), Dharwad (1), Hassan (4) and Chikmagalur (1).

The cabinet sub-committee formed under the chairmanship of chief minister will meet as and when required and take stock of the drought situation. Memorandum to be submitted to the Centre seeking relief is being prepared. In the last three days, widespread rains have been received all over the state including the drought hit taluks showing signs of improvement in the situation.

The state has so far released Rs 40 crore towards drought relief operations. While Rs 11 crore was released during the month of April and Rs 29 crore was released during September. About Rs 126 crore is available in the P D Accounts of the Deputy Commissioners and there is no dearth of funds for drought relief works, the statement said. The government has already instructed the deputy commissioners of drought-hit districts including Chitradurga to start cattle camps (goshalas) and stock fodder wherever required.