Prioritise rescue, relief operations in flood-hit Kalyana Karnataka districts: Kumaraswamy appeals to Karnataka government

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has urged the State government to immediately come to the aid of the people affected by the floods in several districts of Kalyana Karnataka.

Besides heavy rainfall in districts in the region, release of water from from Maharashtra’s Ujani and Neera reservoirs has put several low-lying villages, including Bennethora, at risk of rising waters.

In a media statement on Sunday (September 28, 2025), Mr. Kumaraswamy said he personally spoke to the Deputy Commissioners of Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Vijayapura, Bidar and Raichur over the phone and asked them to undertake relief work without delay.

Intensify rescue efforts

The people are in great distress due to heavy floods in various districts including Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Bidar, Raichur and Koppal, he said and stressed that the state government’s top priority at this juncture should be to protect the lives of the people and providing basic facilities during this difficult time.

He urged the State government to set up relief camps in every flood-affected taluk and ensure availability of emergency facilities to the people. Adequate stocks of food, drinking water, clothing, blankets and emergency medicines should be delivered to all the districts without delay, he added.

Mr. Kumaraswamy suggested that the NDRF and SDRF personnel should intensify their rescue efforts and pay special attention to the protection of the elderly, children and women. Schools, hostels and educational institutions should be immediately converted into temporary relief and health centers and appropriate arrangements be made for shifting flood-affected families and young children to safe places, he said.

Crop loss relief

In addition to the loss of lives, severe crop loss and damage has occurred in these districts. The condition of the farmers is heart-breaking and appropriate and timely relief should be provided to them. This will enable them to regain their livelihood.

Livestock and animals have suffered greatly. Urgent action should be taken to provide fodder, shelter and medical care, especially to the livestock, which are the lifeline of the farming community, he said. The minister has urged that public health and animal health teams should be kept on alert at all times.

Centre’s cooperation

The Kalyana Karnataka districts of Bidar, Vijayapura, Yadgir and Kalaburagi received heavy rains during the Gauri Ganesh festival. The people should not have to suffer again during the Dasara and Deepavali festivals, he said.

Mr. Kumaraswamy has assured that the Centre would provide all possible cooperation to the flood-affected people.