Bengaluru, July 6 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, G. Parameshwara, said that the state is now facing a drought-like situation, and necessary instructions and directions have already been given to officials by him and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, to effectively handle the drought, including ensuring drinking water for people and livestock and addressing fodder-related concerns.

Speaking to the media near Vidhana Soudha on Monday, he said, “I have already held progress review meetings in Belagavi, Chitradurga and Tumakuru districts and discussed the situation.

“Since reservoirs have reached dead storage levels, water must be used carefully. Strict instructions have been given to officials to ensure that the available water is used only for drinking purposes and not for any other purpose.”

He said that some areas received rainfall on Sunday. “If it continues to rain for another couple of days, reservoirs may fill up to some extent. Since it is raining in the Malnad region, inflow into KRS has begun. If reservoirs receive even a certain level of water, people will not face drinking water problems,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister further said, “The Chief Minister and I are visiting Bidar today. From there, we will travel to Kalaburagi district tomorrow to hold a progress review meeting. We will assess the situation there and issue necessary instructions to officials.”

He said fodder kits are already being distributed to ensure that livestock do not face fodder shortages.

“If seeds are provided to those who have borewells, they will grow fodder. I have instructed the Chief Executive Officers and Deputy Commissioners of districts to set up fodder banks and goshala facilities wherever required. The government is preparing to face the drought situation with all necessary arrangements,” he told the media.

He further said that a report in this regard will also be submitted to the Union Government.

“We will urge the Centre to release NDRF funds in advance. If possible, I will personally meet the Union Home Minister, explain the situation and submit a request,” he said.

Responding to a question on the SIR process, he said that it is being carried out as per the instructions of the Election Commission and there is no confusion in the process.

“There is no point in the Opposition politicising this issue. Election officials will take care of everything. If any official commits a mistake, action will be taken against them,” he said.

–IANS

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