Vidharba-like aid for drought-hit districts in the offing

The Union government is contemplating providing Vidharba-like package to Kolar and other drought-hit districts, said Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.

Addressing the media at Minister K H Muniyappa’s house here on Tuesday, Pawar said severe drought in Vidharba had forced many farmers to end their lives.

To prevent, the Union government had implemented many projects waiving off loan, distribution of agri-equipment at a subsidised rates and such.

Pawar was on his way to Bangalore from Andhra Pradesh and he visited Minister Muniyappa’s house, en route.

“I was told about the severe drought in Kolar and other districts and also the drastic depletion of groundwater from 1,200 to 1,500 ft. Considering this, the Union and State governments will discuss about Vidharba-like special project to these areas,” he added.

At least 73 taluks in the State do not have drinking water facility. The State government is misleading the people by announcing Yettinahole and other projects to meet drinking water crisis.

But the implementation of Paramashivaiah Report alone, will help dryland areas to quench its thirst. The Union Minister has been informed about it, said Minister Muniyappa.

JD(S) leader and former minister PGR Sindhia, District Congress unit president M L Anil Kumar and others were present.