Drought: DVS slams Central government

CHITRADURGA: Criticising the Central government for its non-cooperation in tackling the drought in various taluks of the state, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda warned it against playing “politics”, and asked it to help the state tide over the crisis.Addressing the media after arriving here via chopper on Friday, he reiterated his government’s commitment to initiate relief measures in all the drought-hit districts on a war-footing.Gowda added that the government has released Rs. 5 crore for relief works in the district, of which the district administration has already utilised Rs. 2.56 crore for activities such as provision of fodder to livestock and resolve drinking water problems.“Funds will be released in a liberal manner for relief works without any hassles,” he assured. The CM added that the loss due to vagaries of rain stood at 3.13 lakh metric tonnes of crops, or Rs. 452 crore. “4,400 mini fodder kits have been distributed to farmers; 10 goshalas have been opened.” “Officials sitting in their chambers note down meter readings, but are unaware of the problems being faced by the farmers,” he said, when his attention was drawn to the comment by director of Meteorological Centre B Puttanna that not a single district in the state was affected by drought.He averred that Chitradurga has received a mere 227 mm rain, lower than its average of 486 mm. He informed that the shortfall of rain this month was 76 per cent. Out of 22 hoblis in the district, 18 are facing severe drought and four normal drought, hence the government declared this district as drought hit, Gowda added.The chief minister urged officials to work efficiently and utilise money properly.He warned of action against errant officials.On the acute shortage of power in the district, the CM urged the Central power ministry to provide an additional 500 MW power to the state.ANOTHER 14 TALUKS DROUGHT-HITBANGALORE: The state government on Friday announced another 14 taluks as drought-hit. With this, the number of taluks affected by drought in the state rose to 84. On October 3, the government had announced 70 taluks as drought hit. Chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda told media that the decision to announce additional 14 taluks as drought hit was taken after assessing the shortfall in rains and inadequacy in moisture between the period from June 1 to October 3.