Take steps to provide water, fodder: minister

District In-charge minister K J George has told officials to get ready to handle drought situation and also take steps to provide water and fodder.

Chairing a review meeting on drought management, he directed the officials to visit the drought-hit areas and respond to the people’s woes. Preparations should be made to provide water and fodder for livestock, he said.

George said drinking water supply to villagers should be prioritised and instructed the officials to invite short-term tenders to supply water in tankers.

“There are complaints regarding power shortage in Yagati hobli in Kadur taluk. Steps should be taken to dig borewells in Basavanahalli. Farmers should be compensated for crop loss,” he told the officials.

Deputy Commissioner M K Srirangaiah said that the Kadur taluk has been declared a drought-hit taluk during the monsoon. Currently, the other taluks too, have been included in the list of drought-hit taluks, he added.

He said there has been a crop loss to the tune of Rs 23.57 crore due to less rainfall in Kadur taluk. The current stock of fodder will last for 30 weeks. Kits have been provided to 5,500 people who have access to borewells. The farmers can purchase fodder at a rate of Rs 1.50 per kg. Necessary steps have been taken to prevent the transport of fodder to other districts. If necessary, fodder bank and Goshalas will be opened in the district, he said.

Srirangaiah said that water is being supplied through tankers in Giganehalli, Gollarahatti, Mathighatta and Hulikeregollarahatti villages of Kadur taluk and Rs 25 lakh has been sanctioned to each taluk for drinking water purpose.