CPI(M) protests over exclusion of Kalaburagi from drought-hit list

The Kalaburagi district committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has criticised the State government for not including any taluk in the district on its list of drought-hit areas, despite clear signs of drought.

CPI(M) members staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Saturday and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Deputy Commissioner, urging the government to declare Kalaburagi district drought-hit and provide relief to farmers.

The protesters said the district was facing a severe rainfall shortage, which had affected agricultural activities. They pointed to the drying up of tanks, a decline in soil moisture and vegetation levels, and a sharp reduction in sowing as indications of the worsening situation.

According to CPI(M) members, Kalaburagi district has recorded a 54% rainfall deficit. The district recorded 36% less rainfall than normal in June and 84% less rainfall in July. The prolonged dry spell has caused distress among farmers and led to sowing on less than 30% of the targeted area, the party said. The activists questioned the government’s decision not to declare any taluk in the district drought-hit despite these indicators.

CPI(M) district secretary K. Neela said the drought assessment was being carried out based on the criteria prescribed in the Union government’s Drought Manual, 2016, and the guidelines of the State Revenue Department. She argued that the existing criteria should be revised to take into account changing climatic conditions and the impact of rainfall deficiency on agriculture.

Ms. Neela urged BJP MPs from the State to prevail upon the Union government to review the criteria and ensure that the actual conditions faced by farmers were reflected in the drought assessment.

Protesters demanded that the entire Kalaburagi district be declared drought-hit and that farmers’ loans be waived.

Labour leader Bheemshetty Yempalli demanded the implementation of the VB-G RAM G scheme for 200 days of employment in rural areas and to engage rural workers under the scheme to check migration.

He also demanded the immediate commencement of drought-relief works and sought the opening of fodder banks and drinking water centres for livestock.

CPI(M) members also demanded compensation of ₹25,000 an acre for farmers who had suffered crop losses.

CPI(M) leaders Sudhama Dhanni, Meghraj Katare, Nagamma and Shobha were present.