1 day ago
Karnataka Drought List Triggers Protests Across Excluded North Karnataka Areas
The Karnataka government made a list of 101 areas that it says are suffering from drought.
Many farmers believe the list leaves out places where crops and water supplies are also badly affected.
They are holding protests, blocking roads and asking for more areas to be included.
Farmers say being on the list is important because it can help them receive money, jobs and other support.
Kalaburagi farmers want the entire district declared drought-hit.
Protesters in Gadag, Dharwad, Vijayanagara and other areas are making similar demands.
The government says it is still checking conditions using scientific rules.
It says a second review could add more taluks, but farmers worry that relief will be delayed.
Karnataka’s first drought list covers 101 taluks, but several North Karnataka areas were excluded.
Farmers and local groups have organized bandhs, road blockades, human chains and planned padayatras.
Kalaburagi, Haveri and Dharwad districts were entirely excluded despite reported rainfall deficits of 44%, 44% and 40%, respectively, as of August 31.
Protesters are demanding wider drought declarations, Rs 50,000-per-acre compensation, loan waivers, fodder support and employment guarantees.
The government says a second scientific assessment is under way and additional taluks may be added under NDRF and SDRF guidelines.
- Who
- Farmers, farmer organizations, residents, students, women, local political leaders and the Karnataka government.
- What
- Protests have intensified after several drought-affected areas were excluded from the first list of 101 drought-hit taluks.
- Where
- Across North Karnataka, including Kalaburagi, Gadag, Dharwad, Haveri, Vijayanagara, Ballari, Bidar and Vijayapura districts.
- When
- The protests and demands were reported on Monday, with additional actions announced for September 3 and September 8; rainfall figures cited were recorded as of August 31.
- Why
- Protesters seek recognition of drought conditions so excluded areas can receive compensation, employment, loan relief, fodder support and other assistance.
Farmers and Local Protesters
Karnataka Government
Coverage of the drought list
Farmers and Local Protesters
Farmers and local organizations say the first list excludes areas facing severe water shortages, crop losses and rainfall deficits, and want entire districts or additional taluks declared drought-hit.
Karnataka Government
The government says areas are being identified through scientific criteria and according to NDRF and SDRF guidelines, with a second assessment still in progress.
Timing of relief
Farmers and Local Protesters
Protesters argue that delayed inclusion will postpone urgent compensation, employment, loan waivers, crop-insurance support, fodder banks and cattle shelters.
Karnataka Government
The government’s position is that the assessment process is not finished and that further findings could lead to additional taluks being included.
Political accountability
Farmers and Local Protesters
Farmer leaders and opposition figures have criticized elected representatives and some have demanded resignations or threatened larger protests if their demands are not met.
Karnataka Government
The government has emphasized the assessment process rather than treating the first list as final.
Key facts
- Initial drought list
- The government identified 101 drought-hit taluks in its first list.
- Excluded districts
- Kalaburagi, Dharwad and Haveri were entirely left out of the first list.
- Rainfall deficit
- Haveri and Kalaburagi recorded 44% deficits, while Dharwad recorded a 40% deficit as of August 31.
- Gadag coverage
- Only Gajendragad taluk in Gadag district was included in the list.
- Main compensation demand
- Protesters are seeking compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre.
- Kalaburagi demand
- Farmer groups have requested a Rs 1,000-crore special package for the district.
- Government position
- The government says a second phase of ground-truthing is under way and more taluks may be added.
Quotes
Sharanabasappa Mamashetti
District president of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha in Kalaburagi
“We want the government to declare the district drought-hit and provide Rs 50,000 per acre as compensation. A special package of Rs 1,000 crore should be given to the district as it is a major tur-growing region. The Centre should waive agricultural loans and crop insurance should be provided properly.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Officials have failed to make the government understand the seriousness of the drought situation. Public representatives have not visited the fields to see what farmers are facing.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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