Madikeri: Lack of timely rainfall during the monsoon season has damaged maize and paddy crops in the district, joint director of agriculture Chandrashekhar said. In all, crop damage is reported in 2,279 hectares, he stated.Maize crop has been damaged in 159 hectares in Somwarpet taluk, while paddy has been damaged in 650 hectares in Virajpet taluk and 1,470 hectares in Ponnampet taluk. A report has been submitted to govt seeking the release of approximately Rs 1.93 crore in subsidies, he stated.Speaking at a meeting chaired by deputy commissioner SJ Somashekhar on Saturday, where he reviewed the situation regarding the provision of drinking water and fodder for livestock in Kodagu, the joint director explained that the assessment of crop damage was based on the absence of rainfall for three to four consecutive weeks, as well as soil moisture levels and groundwater status.Bhaskar, executive engineer of Jal Jeevan Mission division, said there would be no disruption in the drinking water supply in the district till Dec. He mentioned that govt has released Rs 1 crore for each assembly constituency for this purpose and assured that measures would be taken to prevent any issues regarding water supply.DC Somashekhar pointed out to media reports indicating that water sources are drying up and advised officials to pay close attention to it. He directed officials to identify nearby high-yield, good-quality borewells as alternative sources for villages facing or likely to face drinking water shortages and to take necessary steps to ensure supply. The DC also emphasised the need to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply in urban and town areas, in addition to rural regions.Srinivas, executive engineer of Urban Development Cell, also spoke and assured that steps would be taken to ensure there are no disruptions to the drinking water supply in urban and town areas.
