Bengaluru, September 7: Karnataka will declare more taluks drought-hit in two to three phases based on scientific and technical reports, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Monday, as he described the drought situation in several parts of the state as severe and announced a special Assembly session to discuss farmers’ problems.
Responding to media questions in the Devanahalli industrial area, Shivakumar said reports on drought conditions were being received from several taluks and that many more areas would be declared drought-hit after scientific assessment.
“There is severe drought in many places. Areas where there has been no rain for 21 days will be identified and a decision will be taken based on the technical report,” he said.
Shivakumar asked legislators not to be anxious over drought declarations, saying the government had to scientifically determine where drought conditions existed. He said the Deputy Chief Minister was obtaining reports and that the issue had been discussed.
“Everything cannot be done at once. The process is taking place in phases,” he said, adding that decisions would be taken in two or three stages on the basis of scientific and technical reports.
The Chief Minister said a special Assembly session had been called to discuss farmers’ problems in view of the severe drought conditions. The government would scientifically examine the ground situation in drought-affected areas and take steps to provide necessary assistance to farmers, he said.
Shivakumar also addressed questions over the NICE project, saying any decision taken by the government would remain within the framework of law.
Asked about an open letter alleging that the state Cabinet had taken a decision on the NICE project in violation of law, Shivakumar said the government would obtain legal opinion and was reviewing all aspects of the matter.
“Whatever we do, we will do within the framework of law. We will obtain legal opinion. We are reviewing everything. We will not do anything outside the law. If there has been a violation of law, there are courts; let them fight it,” he said.
The Chief Minister said protecting farmers who had lost property was the government’s responsibility. He said previous governments had signed agreements and farmers had lost property as a result.
“Farmers have lost property, and they have to be protected. I have awareness too. Even if a person is not educated, he should be intelligent and have common sense,” Shivakumar said.
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