Vijayanagara: A four-member central govt delegation on Monday surveyed drought-hit areas of Vijayanagara district to assess crop losses, water scarcity, relief measures and the need for further assistance.
Officials informed the team that 416 labourers were engaged at the site and each was receiving a daily wage of Rs 382 without discrimination. The team was headed by Ajit Kumar Sahu, joint secretary in the Union ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare. It included Lieutenant Colonel Amarinder Singh of NITI Aayog , J Harsha, director in the ministry of Jal Shakti, and Sudam Bag, deputy commissioner in the department of animal husbandry and dairy development. At Neelagunda village in Harapanahalli taluk, the delegation inspected desilting work at Neelagunda Lake under the VBG Ram project. The delegation reviewed the condition of water bodies, employment generation and measures being undertaken to support rural households affected by the prolonged dry spell. Officials briefed the team on the availability of drinking water and steps taken to address difficulties faced by farmers and agricultural labourers. The delegation also reviewed measures related to livestock management, local irrigation and employment opportunities being provided to rural families amid prevailing drought conditions.
Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news. Deputy commissioner Kavitha S Mannikeri, zilla panchayat chief executive officer Garima Panwar, joint director of agriculture DT Manjunath and other district-level officials accompanied the central team during the inspection. They provided details about the drought’s impact and ongoing mitigation measures covering employment, livestock, drinking water and local irrigation concerns. After completing its inspection at Neelagunda, the delegation proceeded to Itagi village for further assessment of drought conditions and relief measures. Download the TOI App.