Hassan: Newly inducted minister KM Shivalingegowda on Wednesday appealed for nonpartisan cooperation to resolve the district’s various burning issues and take it on the path of progress.During his first visit to the district as minister, he said that today, there is a shadow of severe drought in the state. “A study is being conducted with the aim of sending a report to central govt and securing funds as per NDRF guidelines. In the cabinet meeting, CM instructed everyone to study the drought situation in their respective districts and submit a report,” he recollected.“Crop insurance compensation has not been given, and because of this, farmers are in distress. Let us protect their interests,” he appealed.Gowda toured several drought-affected villages in Channarayapatna taluk and inspected agriculture fields along with deputy commissioner KS Latha Kumari and other officials. He interacted with farmers and took note of crop losses due to poor rainfall. Gowda noted that Hassan district has been severely hit due to a shortage of rain. “Several pieces of land remain vacant as farmers could not take up cultivation due to a lack of water. Even where sowing was done, crops have suffered. The maize crop has been damaged due to disease in several parts,” he said.“The wild elephant problem has been prevalent for many years. An effective action plan should be formulated to solve it. No farmer should fall victim to elephant attacks. I will fight for this in the coming days,” he added.Gowda said he has not demanded any portfolio. “I will handle whichever portfolio is extended to me. I have no expectations,” he said.
