Bengaluru: Chief minister DK Shivakumar has said his deputy G Parameshwara is preparing a delegation to go meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi to apprise him of the worsening drought situation in Karnataka.Speaking to the media after a review meeting of the Bengaluru division Saturday, Shivakumar said: “Barring Almatti dam, the reservoirs in Karnataka are depleting due to the lack of inflow. The El Nino effect the PM has spoken about should be considered with seriousness in the state. I have already spoken to the PM about the drought situation and now our DyCM Parameshwara is preparing a delegation to go to Delhi to meet the PM and inform him of the ground realities in the state.”Shivakumar said he directed officials at Saturday’s meeting to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking water.He warned farmers that if they bank on the govt to release water and sow seeds, then they alone will be responsible for any losses because of their decision.
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“I have already spoken to officials to cover more ground and get more farmers enrolled into the crop insurance scheme,” said Shivakumar.On providing employment in rural Karnataka, the CM said the VB-G-RAM-G is in front of the govt and a decision is yet to be taken to implement it as 40% of the funding has to be allocated for the purpose from the state.On the cabinet expansion, Shivakumar said it is expected to take place next week and once the ministers are in place then the entire contingent of ministers will have to work as a team to tackle the drought situation.Responding to a question about the FIR filed against farmers in Bidadi, he said there is no question of exerting pressure on anyone. He made it clear that an appropriate decision would be taken to ensure that no farmer faces hardship.
