Karna govt declares 34 taluks drought hit

Karnataka government today declared 34 taluks in nine districts of the state as drought hit.
The decision to declare these taluks as drought hit was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet here.
Briefing reporters, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra said Agriculture Minister has visited these places, and thrust will be given towards providing drinking water and feed for cattle.
He said eight districts were affected due to heavy rains causing total loss of about Rs 426 crore. Rs 266 crore relief has been sought from the Centre.
Jayachandra said under the National Disaster Relief Fund Rs 17,600 relief is given to fully damaged houses and Rs 3,800 to partially damaged houses. It is proposed to increase this amount to Rs 40,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively.

He said the cabinet approved distribution of 5,54,000 bicycles free of cost for eighth standard students for which Rs 181.44 crore has been allotted.
The cabinet also cleared allotment of 55 acres of land near Nanjanagud near Mysore for Asian Paints by Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board.
Jayachandra also said the cabinet has passed a resolution congratulating ISRO for its successful placing of Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in the Martian orbit. The congratulatory resolution will be sent to ISRO.