Pragativahini News, New Delhi
Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and appealed to release pending funds under NDRF and MGNREGA for drought mitigation and wage component and material component to the state.
In 2018-19, State has been juxtaposed with flood/ landslide and drought during khariff and during rabi has been reeling under severe drought situation in the State.
State faced floods and landslides due to monsoon fury over Kodagu and adjacent Malnad and coastal districts on the one hand and on the other prolonged dry spells and deficit rainfall causing severe drought in 100 talukas out of 176 talukas in the State. Against the memorandum seeking financial assistance of Rs. 2434 Crore as per NDRF/ SDRF norms, central assistance of Rs. 949.49 crore was approved, which is less than 50 per cent of the input subsidy claim by the State.
During Rabi season there was only 96 mm rainfall against the 188 mm and North interior Karnataka had 66 per cent of rain deficit. Out of 176 talukas 156 have been declared drought affected. Out of this, 107 are severely affected and 49 are moderately affected. Total crop loss during Rabi season is Rs. 11,384.47 crore. Crop loss during Khariff and Rabi altogether is Rs. 32,335 Crore which has had adverse effect on the State’s economy.
State has taken pro-active steps to mitigate the effects of drought situation and Rs. 386 crore has been released apart from SDRF funds. Drinking water, fodder and employment generation were given utmost priority and under MGNREGA 8.18 crore human days were created. State has advanced Rs. 1351 crore towards payment of pending wage and material bills , in anticipation of release of funds from Government of India. Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister to release these funds immediately to the state to make further wage payments.
He also appealed to PM to expedite the process to release Rs. 2064.30 crore as per SDRF/ NDRF norms for drought relief and mitigation.
Consecutive droughts, flood has brought farmers under distress and it is the time to rush to their aid, CM explained and sought early release of the required funds.
