Minister Nagendra reviews drought-hit areas in Sandur, promises relief for affected farmers

Minister B. Nagendra on Friday (August 7) visited drought-affected villages in Sandur taluk, Ballari district, to assess crop damage and review the prevailing drought situation.

Accompanied by E. Annapurna, Sandur MLA, Deputy Commissioner K. Nagendra Prasad and senior district officials, the Minister inspected affected agricultural fields at Vitthalapur village and interacted with farmers to understand the extent of crop losses.

Addressing reporters, Mr. Nagendra said the State government was committed to standing by farmers and would take all necessary measures to tackle the drought situation as directed by the Chief Minister.

He noted that Sandur, compared to other parts of Ballari district, has a larger population of small and marginal rain-fed farmers who have been severely affected by the monsoon failure. “Farmers owning one to five acres of land are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods due to crop losses. A comprehensive report will be submitted to the Chief Minister, following which the government will take a decision on announcing relief measures,” he added.

Crop insurance and employment

The Minister said awareness campaigns by the district administration had resulted in nearly 37,000 out of 40,000 dryland farmers enrolling under the crop insurance scheme this year. Cases of farmers left out due to technical issues would be examined and appropriate relief provided, he added.

Ms. Annapurna said the taluk, which normally receives the highest rainfall in Ballari district, had recorded a 67% rainfall deficit this year, pushing farmers into severe distress.

She pointed out that the region is dominated by hilly terrain with a large number of small and marginal farmers who depend entirely on agriculture. “The slowdown in mining activities had further aggravated the economic hardship faced by local residents,” she said, urging the government to announce immediate relief measures for farmers and livestock owners.

Action against industrial pollution

Mr. Nagendra said complaints had been received regarding dust pollution from industries in Sandur and the discharge of contaminated water into lakes and water bodies, resulting in fish deaths and health problems among local residents.

“A meeting of officials from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board will be convened shortly and industries will be directed to install scientifically designed filtration systems to ensure effective pollution control,” he said.

The Minister said untreated wastewater flowing through Kurekuppa and Daroji was polluting tanks and affecting agriculture. To address the problem, he said, the government plans to establish a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to prevent domestic and industrial wastewater from contaminating water bodies.

Mr. Nagendra said the Tungabhadra Irrigation Consultative Committee (ICC) meeting would be convened after the Tungabhadra reservoir storage reaches 80 tmcft. He added that a final decision on irrigation water release would be taken after the appointment of the ICC chairperson.