42 more taluks declared drought-hit in K'taka

The Karnataka government today declared an additional 42 taluks in 13 districts as drought affected, taking the total number of affected taluks in the state to 110.
"Considering various factors we have approved the proposal to declare 42 more taluks as drought hit," state Law andParliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra said.
Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting here, he said, "earlier 68 taluks were declared as drought hit, now 42, this will take the total number of taluks to 110".
"Of the 177 taluks in the state, 110 are now droughthit. There are chances of more taluks getting added to thislist," he added.

Pointing out that there has also been incidents of excess rains and floods in Kalaburagi, Bidar and Raichur, Jayachandra said there are both incidents of floods and droughtin the state and that officials had been directed to prepare memorandumto the Centre, seeking assistance.
Asked about the loss so far, he said an assessment is on and would be completed soon.

Explaining the drought situation in the state, Jayachandra said about 50 more taluks may get added to the list. Other than Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, the situation was bad in most of the districts, he added.
Now that the taluks had been declared drought-hit, the administration would start taking action, the minister said, adding the major demand would be for drinking water and opening of Gaushalas.

"Rs 75 crore has already been released and Deputy Commissioners have been asked to make use of funds allocated to their districts," Jayachandra said.
Among other cabinet decisions taken today were a plan to construct government offices complex inMysuru, with an intention to bring all departments in thedistrict under one roof at a cost of Rs 67,91,80,612to Shirke Construction Technology Private Limited.
It also decided to withdraw cases lodgedagainst farmers and individuals during the 2012-13 Cauveryagitation in Mandya.
"We have decided to withdraw a total of 22 cases. Ultimately it is left to courts to decide, depending on the stage at which the cases are," he added.