Vinod M Jain
The Super El Niño weather phenomenon has had a significant impact on India.Karnataka recorded a rainfall deficit of 42% in June and 34% in July.
Farmers undertook sowing after receiving scattered rainfall,but their crops are now suffering damage.
Of the State’s 245 taluks,only 15 have received above-normal rainfall.As many as 157 taluks have recorded deficient rainfall,while 14 taluks are facing severe rainfall deficiency,the Deputy Chief Minister said while briefing the media on the prevailing drought situation in the State.
“I have reviewed the situation in several districts across the State.Two review meetings were held in the Belagavi division,one in the Kalaburagi division and another in Chitradurga.A further review meeting will be conducted with the Chief Minister.
Other Ministers are also continuously reviewing the rainfall and crop situation,as well as essential requirements such as drinking water for people and livestock,”he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the State Government has never hesitated,and will never hesitate,to take all necessary measures to manage the drought situation.
“The Government has already released ₹5 crore to each district to meet drinking water requirements.The district administrations have been instructed to utilise this amount exclusively for drinking water purposes.
In addition,₹329.61 crore is available in the Personal Deposit (PD) accounts of the Deputy Commissioners.
Meetings of the task forces and District Disaster Management Authorities are being held regularly at the taluk and district levels,”he said.
Between June 1 and July 15,the State recorded 37% less rainfall than normal.The rainfall deficit has worsened further in July.
Bengaluru has not received any rainfall during the past 15 days.In July,10 districts recorded rainfall deficits ranging from 30% to 60%,while 13 districts recorded deficits ranging from 60% to 97%.Only eight districts received normal rainfall,he said.
The State has 84.10 lakh hectares of cultivable land, of which sowing has been completed across 40.68 lakh hectares.
However,even the crops that have been sown are drying up.In some areas,the seeds sown by farmers have failed to germinate,he explained.
“Relief must be provided for crop losses and drinking water shortages.Migration must be prevented and employment opportunities must be provided to affected people.
In my capacity as the State’s Revenue Minister,I have written to the Prime Minister,the Union Home Minister and the Union Agriculture Minister,”he said.
Water resources across the State are drying up.Despite the prevailing drought conditions,certain provisions in the Union Government’s guidelines are preventing the State from immediately declaring drought.
“I have written to the Prime Minister requesting that the existing guidelines be relaxed.Today,I have also written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan,urging the Centre to release NDRF funds immediately,”he said.
