Drought management: BSY criticises state government

State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa on Monday said the state government has not effectively utilised the grants sanctioned by the Union government to take up drought relief measures.

He told reporters that the state government is pointing at the Union government to conceal its failure in tackling the drought situation.

Yeddyurappa said the Union government had released Rs 1,540 crore last year and has sanctioned Rs 1,782 crore so far. But the state government has been blaming the Union government saying that the funds are insufficient. The chief minister should make it public how the funds, released by the Centre, have been utilised.

How much money has the state government used from its treasury for the management of drought situation? he questioned.

He said he learnt that the state government has done nothing to provide jobs to agricultural labourers during his visit to various districts to review the drought relief measures. At the BJP state executive committee meeting, one hour was devoted for the discussion on drought situation. It was decided that the BJP MPs, including five Rajya Sabha MPs of the state, will contribute to the drought relief measures. A total of Rs 1 crore from PM’s fund, which has been allotted to the MPs, will be utilised.

Also, the BJP Lok Sabha MPs will spend Rs 2 crore in their respective constituencies. MLCs and MLAs have the provision to utilise up to Rs 25 lakh each and Rs 25 crore will be gathered this way. The funds will be used for the construction of cowsheds, supply fodder and water and also for desilting of lakes wherever needed, he said.

Yeddyurappa said religious institutions and other organisations have also been approached for assistance. The party workers have been told to collect money from people. In 2009, the state government managed the flood situation without seeking Centre’s assistance, he claimed.

Yeddyurappa said he will pay visits to the drought-hit areas after the Union budget session. According to the report of the party leaders, the drought situation this year has been acute in the past 25 to 30 years, he said.

On compensation to the farmers for submerged land following the construction of a new vented dam at Thumbe, Yeddyurappa said the court verdict is in favour of the farmers. Compensation should be dispensed to the farmers in a scientific way, he added.

MRPL should not acquire land of farmers without their consent. The expansion work should not be taken up without providing compensation to farmers. If the farmers are not taken into confidence, BJP will stage a protest, he warned. 

Lamenting over the failure of law and order situation in the district, he said accused have not yet been arrested  though there have been six stabbing incidents and three murders.

He said BJP workers are being harassed by police. Murders, rapes and molestations have become common in Bengaluru, creating a fearful atmosphere. The issue will be raised in the upcoming assembly session, he said.

Yeddyurappa said the state government had kept the people of Dakshina Kannada in dark before implementing the Yettinahole project. The opinion of experts has not been sought. The government should reveal details of the project. Where does the government manage to get the proposed quantity of water? he asked.
DH News Service