Over 50 More Karnataka Taluks Likely to Be Declared Drought-Hit: Shivakumar

VIJAYANAGARA, Sept 5: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said more than 50 additional taluks in the state would be declared drought-hit following the second assessment report, with the entire process expected to be completed by the end of September.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Praja Seva Abhiyana’ in Vijayanagara, Shivakumar said 102 taluks had already been declared drought-affected and the second assessment report was expected shortly.

“More than 50 taluks will be announced after the second report. Following that, within another 15 days, the remaining areas facing drought will also be assessed and declared as per the prescribed norms,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the state government was required to follow the drought-assessment framework laid down by the Centre and could not declare areas drought-hit arbitrarily.

“Do not worry. By the end of this month, we will declare all taluks wherever drought has been established under the guidelines. We will take steps to provide the necessary support to the affected people,” he said.

Shivakumar said rainfall and other prescribed assessment parameters had to be taken into account before formally notifying an area as drought-affected.

He also instructed legislators and officials to ensure that applications and grievances from the public were received directly and addressed promptly.

“Wherever you have to submit applications, submit them. I am here to receive them. The same system will be followed across the State through our MLAs and ministers,” he said.

The ‘Praja Seva Abhiyana’ aims to take governance to people’s doorsteps and ensure that beneficiaries receive government schemes and services without having to make repeated visits to government offices.

The campaign also featured the distribution of various benefits and facilities to beneficiaries of different government departments.

Shivakumar said the initiative would mark a new chapter in public service and urged elected representatives and officials to make the administration more accessible, responsive and accountable.