State takes up fight against drought on priority

The state government will soon submit a comprehensive report on the drought situation in Karnataka to the Centre and seek its help.

Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda told reporters in Hubli on Sunday that the state had suffered a crop loss to the tune of Rs 2,400 crore and 99 taluks had been declared as drought-hit. Acute water crisis was haunting 77 villages and the government had taken steps to transport water to these villages. Relief works have been initiated in the drought-hit areas, he said.

The CM, who was on his way to Belgaum, said the government had taken up review of social security schemes and the work had been completed in 25 districts. “This is a measure to scrap ineligible beneficiaries and see that the genuine beneficiaries enjoy their benefits,” he said.

Once the review work is completed, stern action will be taken against the officials who have created bogus certificates, he said.

Answering a query on appointment of The Lokayukta, CM stated that the government had recommended Justice S R Bannurmath for the post of Lokayukta. “All details sought by the governor have been provided. Now, the decision is left to the governor “ he asserted.

Answering another query, he said, the government had already issued notice to the Belgaum Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor and Deputy Mayor seeking explanation for participating in the black day sponsored by Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti on Rajyotsava day. Further course of action will be taken after they answer to the notice, he said.