Members of the district unit of the BJP Raitha Morcha staged a dharna in front of the Clock Tower recently demanding that the State government give priority to relief works in 160 taluks that have been declared drought hit.
Mattar Ratnakar Hegde, president of the BJP district unit, said the severity of drought in these taluks had increased but the government was providing relief at a snail’s pace. “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should immediately call a meeting of district in-charge and Cabinet Ministers and direct them to visit drought-hit districts and implement relief measures immediately,” he said.
Besides their fields being affected by drought, farmers had to deal with their cattle not having water to drink. As a result, they were resorting to distress sale of cattle. Many farm workers were migrating to cities. Crop loss has put farmers in dire straits.
Though the Union government had released ₹450 crore in first instalment for drought relief, the State government was planning to disburse only ₹200 crore to farmers, he said.
Mr. Hegde said the government should immediately waive loans of farmers. It should supply water through tankers to the affected areas. District in-charge Ministers should stay put in district headquarters and take steps to help farmers, he said.
The government should immediately direct the deputy commissioners to make fodder available for cattle. Cattle shelters should be opened throughout the State, he demanded.
