Parameshwara warns of drought-like situation in Karnataka, to seek advance NDRF funds
Karnataka's Deputy CM said reservoirs have reached dead storage and has directed officials to conserve water and prepare for worsening conditions
Bengaluru, Jul 6 (PTI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said that the state is now facing a drought-like situation, and necessary instructions and directions have already been given to officials by him and the CM to effectively handle it.
Instructions have been given to ensure drinking water for people and livestock and to address fodder-related concerns, he said.
"I have already held review meetings in Belagavi, Chitradurga and Tumakuru districts and discussed the situation. Since reservoirs have reached dead storage levels, water must be used carefully. Strict instructions have been given to officials to ensure that the available water is used only for drinking purposes and not for any other purpose," Parameshwara said.
Speaking to reporters, he said that some parts of the state received rainfall on Sunday.
"If it continues to rain for another couple of days, reservoirs may fill up to some extent. Since it is raining in the Malnad region, inflow into KRS has begun. If reservoirs receive even a certain level of water, people will not face drinking water problems," he added.
The Deputy CM further said that both he and Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will travel to Kalaburagi district on July 7 to hold a progress review meeting after their visit to Bidar on Monday. "We will assess the situation there and issue necessary instructions to officials." He said fodder kits are already being distributed to ensure that livestock do not face fodder shortages.
"If seeds are provided to those who have borewells, they will grow fodder. I have instructed the Chief Executive Officers and Deputy Commissioners of districts to set up fodder banks and goshala facilities wherever required. The government is preparing to face the drought situation with all necessary arrangements," he said.
Parameshwara said that a report regarding the drought-like situation in the state will also be submitted to the Union government.
"We will urge the Centre to release NDRF funds in advance. If possible, I will personally meet the Union Home Minister, explain the situation and submit a request," he said.
Responding to a question on the SIR process, the Deputy CM said that it is being carried out as per the instructions of the Election Commission and there is no confusion in the process.
"There is no point in the opposition politicising this issue. Election officials will take care of everything. If any official commits a mistake, action will be taken against them," he said. PTI