JOIN USThe water in the Chitravati Barrage at Paragodu, on the outskirts of Bagepalli, can only be supplied for next 15 days, has previous monsoon had failed in the region. The government should make alternative arrangements to supply drinking water, KPCC president G Parameshwara said.
The drought inspection team headed by Parameshwara visited the barrage on Wednesday to take stock of the situation.
Addressing mediapersons, he said the Chitravati barrage had the capacity to supply drinking water to Gudibande and Bagepalli taluks. However, due to scanty rainfall, the storage level is low leading to water crisis. Apart from supplying drinking water and fodder, the government should immediately waive loans taken by the farmers.
There is an exodus of 100 to 200 people from every village. The government should open ‘Go Shaale’ (cowshed) in regions severely affected by drought and if necessary should also open ‘gruel centres,’ he added.
Parameshwara said there was no politics over drought. He added that ministers and legislators should visit the areas affected by drought should provide relief to the affected.
Congress leaders who had criticised the CM’s foreign tour, have however, defended legislator N Sampangi, who is also on a foreign tour. Replying to the queries of the mediapersons, the leaders said that it was duty of Chief Minister to know about the drought situation in every taluk of the State. However, even in the absence of Sampangi, officers concerned could carry out the relief work, they added.