Rs 65 Crore released for tackling drought situation

Bangalore, Apr 13 (UNI) Karnataka Minister for Home M P Prakash today announced in the Legislative Assembly release of Rs 65 crore for tackling drought situation in the State.

In his reply to a discussion on drought situation initiated by the Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh, he said that Rs 15 crore had already been released under Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and Rs 50 crore would be released on April 16. Funds for Employment Generation would also be released shortly.

He said that soon after the Session, the Government would take up the drought relief works on war footing.

Mr Prakash said that Inter-State transport of fodder has been banned in the State.

Earlier, Minister for Revenue Jagadish Shettar, in his reply, said that the drought situation was very serious as the water level in all the Reservoirs in the State had come down considerably.

The government had released Rs 594 crore in 2005-06 and Rs 493 Crore in 2006-07 under the assistance from Centre and State to take up relief works. The Centre had released 50,000 metric tons food grains. Goshalas have been opened in 17 places in the State.

District Administration had been empowered to open more Goshalas if needed.

Welcoming a suggestion by rebel Janata Dal (Secular) leader P G R Sindhia, he said that the government would consider appointing an Expert Committee to solve the recurring drought situation permanently.

The Opposition Congress, not satisfied with the reply, staged a walkout.

UNI