Date:23/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/23/stories/2008082354870600.htm

Karnataka

84 Karnataka taluks declared drought-hit

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: Following inadequate monsoon, the Karnataka government has declared 84 taluks in 21 districts as drought-hit.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, Minister for Revenue G. Karunakara Reddy said Deputy Commissioners of the districts had been instructed to take up drought relief measures on a war-footing by utilising Rs. 115 crore available with them.

A proposal has been submitted to the Finance Department seeking an additional release of Rs. 50 crore for taking up drinking water related works.

As many as 11 taluks in Bangalore division, eight taluks in Mysore division, 41 taluks in Gulbarga division, and 35 taluks in Belgaum division have been declared drought affected, Mr. Reddy said.

The number of taluks declared drought-hit district-wise are: Bangalore Urban (1), Bangalore Rural (1), Ramanagara (3), Kolar (1), Chitradurga (3), Davangere (2), Mysore (1), Mandya (1), Hassan (3), Chikmagalur (2), Bellary (7), Koppal (4), Raichur (5), Gulbarga (10), Bidar (5), Belgaum (9), Bagalkot (6), Bijapur (5), Gadag (5), Haveri (5), and Dharwad (5), Mr. Reddy said.

The Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to despatch reports on crop loss owing to recent rain.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa would lead a delegation to Delhi to seek funds under the National Calamity Relief Fund of the Centre in the first week of September, he said.