Will urge centre for Rs. 4860 Crore for crop relief: CM Siddaramaiah

Kalpa Media House | Chitradurga |

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the crop damage due to drought in the state is about 30 thousand crore rupees. As per the NDRF guidelines, 4860 crore compensation is sought and the Centre has been urged to release this amount.
He was speaking to the media at the Muruga Mutt premises in Chitradurga today. Responding to the arrival of the Central Drought Study Team for the drought study in the state, the CM said that the central study team has already been briefed on the reality of the drought situation in the state. Out of total 236 taluks, 195 taluks have been declared drought affected. More than Rs 30 thousand crores worth crops have been damaged. State has suffered crop loss in about 42 lakh hectare, which amounts to 52 percent of crops. Apart from Upper Krishna and Narayanpur Reservoirs, there is no water in other reservoirs including the Cauvery. A compensation of Rs 4860 crore has been sought from the Centre as per the guidelines. There is a green drought this year. The study team of the centre is visiting 11 districts of the state in three teams. After submitting the report, the centre will provide compensation based on the report, he said.
Priority for Upper Bhadra Project

Responding to a media query about the delay in the implementation of the Upper Bhadra Project, the CM said that the previous government had declared that the central Government would declare it as a national project and Rs 5300 crore will be released. But so far, no money has been released from the Centre. The State Government has again requested the centre to release this amount as soon as possible. Our government lays great emphasis on irrigation sector. Special priority will be given to Upper Krishna Project. He said that grants will be released for this project in the current year and next year as well.
Reacting to a question on the 7th pay Commission the CM said that he has held a meeting with the Chairman of the 7th Pay Commission. A decision will be taken after the submission of the report. Replying to a query, the CM said that chairmen for Boards and corporations are being appointed.