Govt has spent Rs 494 crore on drought, flood relief

Bangalore, July 11 (UNI) The state government had spent over Rs 494 crore for drought and flood relief works in Karnataka during the current year, Revenue Minister Jagadish Shettar informed the Legislative Council here today.

Replying to a question raised by Mr D Made Gowda (Cong) during the Question Hour, the minister said 128 of 175 taluks in the state had been declared as drought-hit areas.

While the union government had sanctioned Rs 340.20 crore to take up relief works, the state government had released Rs 277 crore.

The Centre had released Rs 113.98 crore under Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) and the balance of Rs 226.30 crore was under National Calamity Fund (NCF).

Rejuvenating of sub-soil water, repairs on small irrigation tanks, desilting of tanks and erecting check-dams, and road repair works has been taken under drought relief works.

The state government had spent Rs 256 crore in employment generation and Rs 19.50 crore on providing drinking water.

For supply of fodder in distress places Rs 1.50 crore was released, he said.

UNI