Shivamogga: Heavy rainfall in April and May triggered natural disasters in parts of the district, destroying areca nut plantations and affecting farmers, MP BY Raghavendra said Thursday, directing the DC to consult the chief secretary on a special relief package to ensure compensation.Presiding over a zilla panchayat meeting, he said officials have sought Rs 22,000 per hectare for horticultural crops with over 33% damage.Rain damaged 592 houses in April, of which 66 were completely destroyed, and another 220 in May. Crop loss was reported across 974 hectares. Raghavendra expressed concern over delays in compensation.While unauthorised houses lack standard relief provisions, he urged officials to discuss the issue with the concerned minister to support all affected families.Raising insurance discrepancies, the BJP MP said maize farmers paid Rs 3 crore in premiums last year, but faulty crop-cutting assessments led to low payouts. With premium deadlines nearing — July 31 for maize and Aug 14 for paddy and ragi — and sowing lagging behind last year’s 60% completion, he asked officials to guide and reassure farmers.Of 280 rain gauge stations, only 72 are functional. He directed officials to repair the remaining 220 within a week, warning that faulty data could affect insurance claims.To address a potential water crisis, the minor irrigation and water resources departments are preparing lift irrigation systems. A Rs 32 crore Mescom electricity backlog will be addressed, and a proposal for solar-powered irrigation will be sent to the govt. He added that adequate fertiliser stocks are available and instructed officials to address farmers’ issues on priority.On Mekedatu projectRaghavendra objected to the stance taken by the Tamil Nadu govt on sharing Cauvery river water and the Mekedatu project.He said attempts are being made to exploit the issue for political gain and warned that Karnataka’s interests would not be compromised.He demanded that the Mekedatu project be implemented, citing the needs of farmers, Bengaluru’s drinking water supply, and long-term water security.
