200-Plus Karnataka Taluks Likely to Be Declared Drought-Hit: Parameshwara

Bengaluru, Sept 20: More than 200 taluks in Karnataka are likely to be declared drought-hit in phases based on satellite data, ground verification and parameters prescribed by the Centre, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said on Sunday.

He said the drought declaration process was being carried out in accordance with Central guidelines, under which satellite imagery and other data were being collected and analysed against prescribed parameters.

“Not all taluks can be declared drought-hit at one go. The process will continue in phases till the end of the monsoon,” Parameshwara said.

According to him, 101 taluks had been declared drought-hit in the first phase, followed by another 24. A further 52 taluks were expected to be declared drought-hit within the next three to four days, while another 50 would be considered after ground verification.

“Based on the data available to us, I estimate that more than 200 taluks could eventually be declared drought-hit,” he said, adding that Jagalur was also likely to be included in the list within a week.

Parameshwara appealed to farmers and residents of taluks that have not yet been declared drought-hit not to panic, stating that the assessment process was still underway.

The state government has convened a three-day special session of the legislature from Monday to discuss the drought situation and the Kasturirangan report. The government has also submitted a memorandum to the Centre and plans to seek the Opposition’s cooperation in taking an all-party delegation to New Delhi to press for a farm loan waiver and the release of funds under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government had estimated losses of Rs 18,000 crore in the first 101 drought-hit taluks and had sought Rs 3,500 crore from the Centre. Further memoranda would be submitted based on loss assessments in subsequent phases.

“Last year, the losses were estimated at Rs 39,000 crore and we sought Rs 18,000 crore, but received only Rs 3,400 crore. This time, we will have to see how far the Centre responds,” he said.

Recalling the farm loan waiver announced by the previous UPA government headed by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Parameshwara urged the Centre to consider a nationwide farm loan waiver to provide relief to farmers.

He also alleged that Karnataka had not been receiving its due share of Central funds and cited the Jal Jeevan Mission, stating that the state was still awaiting around Rs 17,000 crore.

On the removal of a statue resembling Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Kalaburagi, Parameshwara said the matter should be dealt with according to law.

“If permission was not obtained, there are rules and the law is equal for everyone. If it was erected without following the rules, it can be removed,” he said.

He added that any decision on reconsidering the matter would rest with the Kalaburagi Municipal Corporation.