George inspects drought-hit areas in Kadur

District In-charge Minister K J George inspected drought-hit areas in the taluk on Friday.

The minister visited Huligere, K Bidare and Singatagere lakes. Referring to works carried out under MGNREGS to rejuvenate K Bidare lake, the minister said that more such works should be initiated.

Gurushanthappa of Raitha Sangha appealed the minister to provide permanent irrigation facilities to the taluk.

The minister completed the drought inspection in 80 minutes and inspected the dried plantations while sitting in a car only.

George said that there is no scarcity of funds to tackle the water crisis in the taluk.

Speaking to reporters, he said Kadur taluk has been declared as a drought-hit taluk. There is no shortage of funds for fodder for animals. Already, Rs 50 lakh has been released to the Task Force. Another Rs 50 lakh will be released shortly.

If required, the government will release additional grants, he added.

George said the officials are on alert. They have been directed to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking water. There is a proposal to set up two fodder banks in the taluk. “I have already inspected the damaged coconut groves. A survey is being taken up on how many coconut trees have been destroyed in the drought. The government will pay compensation of Rs 400 per coconut tree damaged,” he said.

“I will submit a report on the drought in Kadur to the state government,” he said.

The process of acquiring land to a project of filling 33 lakes with water from the Upper Bhadra project is in progress. There is an issue in Amrit Mahal Kaval, which will be discussed with the concerned minister. The harvest of paddy at Lakkavalli region is completed. The Animal Husbandry Department has taken measures to ensure that fodder is not transported outside the district. Those who own borewells will be asked to cultivate fodder by providing them with a kit for cultivation, he added.