File picture of parched land
Parameshwara said govt had so far declared 101 taluks as drought-affected and will continue assessing the situation for another 15 days. The Centre, he said, had decided to provide Rs 1,200 crore under State Disaster Response Fund and the state had sought its immediate release. Recalling the 2023 drought, Parameshwara said Karnataka had suffered losses estimated at Rs 39,000 crore and submitted a proposal seeking Rs 18,000 crore in relief. The Centre, he said, had decided to provide Rs 1,200 crore under SDRF, and the state had sought its immediate release.
Subsequently, central teams will visit the state to conduct a survey, following which drought relief will be released.
Bengaluru/Mysuru: Karnataka will submit a memorandum to the Centre seeking drought relief by the first week of Sept, deputy CM and revenue minister G Parameshwara said Saturday. “We will distribute the money to farmers within a week or 10 days,” he said, adding SDRF contribution will be shared between the state and Centre in 25:75 ratio. Parameshwara said ensuring adequate drinking water, fodder for livestock and employment opportunities to prevent migration would be the govt’s immediate priorities. Parameshwara said he had urged the Centre to avoid a repeat of the previous experience and immediately release funds under the State Disaster Response Fund.
More taluks could be added to the list based on the findings. “We will decide on the compensation to be provided to farmers per acre. Drinking water, fodder for livestock and taking up works to prevent migration are our first priorities. We have already initiated measures in this regard,” he added. “ I will help us provide compensation to farmers.