Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister and Bidar district In-charge Eshwar B. Khandre has assured that compensation for crop loss due to incessant rainfall will be distributed within 15 days. He said that a joint survey of affected areas would be expedited to ensure that farmers and households receive timely relief.
Municipal Administration Minister Rahim Khan and Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru on September 28, 2025.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
On September 28, Mr. Khandre acknowledged that continuous downpour across Bidar district in north Karnataka had caused widespread damage – from houses and crops to roads, bridges, schools, anganwadi centres, electricity lines, water supply projects, and even health facilities. “I am in constant touch with the district administration to see that urgent steps are taken to mitigate the impact of heavy rains. Officers have been directed to remain stationed at their headquarters, and no leave will be sanctioned except in unavoidable circumstances,” he said.
The Minister added that SDRF and NDRF teams are already on the ground to support relief efforts. Sub-divisional officers have been instructed to compulsorily visit flood-hit villages while inter-departmental teams will camp in the worst-affected areas to coordinate immediate response. He assured that the government of Karnataka is committed to hearing the grievances of flood victims directly, and extending full support to farmers.
Municipal Administration and Haj Minister Rahim Khan taking stock of crop damage caused by heavy rains in Bidar district of Karnataka on August 31, 2025.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Mr. Khandre met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on September 28 evening, along with Minister Rahim Khan, seeking a special package for the flood-hit district. Highlighting the impact on agriculture, Mr. Khandre said that unexpected heavy rains in August had already caused a 25% crop loss. With ongoing downpours in September, key crops, including pigeon pea, cotton, pulses, and soybean have been completely destroyed, leaving farmers in severe distress.
He said that the Chief Minister had responded positively to his request for aerial surveys and a special relief package. “The government of Karnataka stands firmly with the people of Bidar. No one should panic. Timely relief and rehabilitation will be ensured,” he said.
Bidar has borne the brunt of excessive rains in recent days, recording 199% excess rainfall in the past week. As per the information provided by the district administration, the downpour, compounded by release of water from Manjara dam into the Manjra river in Maharashtra, has damaged 157 houses and inundated nearly 100 houses.
Crops over 94,272 hectares have been affected, and preliminary surveys have been submitted to the government of Karnataka. Eight livestock deaths were reported, though no human casualties have been recorded so far.
Floodwaters have disrupted connectivity, with 27 bridges overflowing and 179 km of roads rendered unusable. Damage was also reported to 420 classrooms, 241 anganwadi centres, 246 electricity poles, 36 transformers, and 24 minor irrigation tanks. Two relief centres have been opened, providing shelter to 266 displaced villagers.
Published – September 29, 2025 11:07 am IST
