The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in north Karnataka region on Saturday and Sunday. A yellow alert has been issued for Bidar, Vijayapura and Kalaburagi districts which are reeling under severe drought.
Heavy rains are predicted in coastal districts of Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The districts of Bagalkot, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Koppal, Raichur, Yadgir, Bellary, considered as parched lands, are also likely to receive heavy rains on Saturday.
Central Karnataka district of Chitradurga, south Karnataka districts of Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Chikkaballapura, Kodagu, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Ramanagara, Shivamogga, Kodagu, Tumkur are also expected to receive rainfall.
Rains would also lash Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural districts. The capital Bengaluru city resembled a hill station since morning. IT city is witnessing rains for two days and heavy rains caused damages in low lying areas.
Drought in Karnataka
Meanwhile, the Karnataka cabinet has approved the declaration of drought situation in 195 taluks of the state. Addressing reporters after the cabinet meeting on Friday night, state Law Minister H.K. Patil said that the state has incurred a loss of Rs 30,432 crores due to the drought.
"We will seek the Central government to provide Rs 4,860 crores as compensation. Due to drought, crops on 39,039 lakh hectares of land were lost," he added.
The horticulture crop loss was estimated to the tune of Rs 2,655 crores, for which the state will seek compensation of Rs 206 crore from the Centre. Similarly, the demand will be placed for Rs 104 crore for establishing 195 cattle camps.
The state government will also seek Rs 126.3 crore relief towards setting up 624 cattle feed banks while Rs 25 crore would be sought for medicines. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed state Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to submit a memorandum to the Central government in this regard.
(With inputs from IANS)
