Karnataka to Set Up Panel to Study Drought Situation

Belagavi (Ktk), Dec 19 (PTI) Expressing concern that Karnataka has become drought prone for successive years, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Wednesday an expert committee would be set up to study about it and find ways to mitigate the situation.

Intervening during the reply to a discussion on drought in the assembly in session here, he said "it is because of our own deeds we are facing such situation today....we have been exploiting the nature to such an extent."

The state government had alreadynotified100 taluks in 24 districts drought affected.

Earlier in his reply, Revenue Minister R V Deshpande said that in the last 18 years, there was drought for 14 years in the state.

During most of these years both Kharif and Rabi season were affected due to drought, he said.

Both Deshpande and the Chief Minister said the government will address the drought situation on a "war footing", while pointing out various initiative taken by the government in this regard.

They said with "foresight" the government was taking up measures to mitigate drought situation, including creating jobs, efficient supply of drinking water, fodder for animals, and controlling migration of people due to distress.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)