Drought relief work is being hit in Karnataka with MLAs being barred from participating in review meetings owing to the model of code of conduct in place till the end of the general elections, said Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.
Mr. Kumaraswamy, Revenue Minister R.V. Deshpande, and RDPR Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who held a video-conference with Deputy Commissioners and CEOs of zilla panchayats on Wednesday, said the Election Commission permitted only the Chief Minister and Ministers to review drought conditions last week. MLAs and MLCs head task forces on drought and play a crucial role in implementation of relief measures at the constituency level, they said.
However, Deputy Commissioners and CEOs of ZPs have been directed to tour their districts to tackle drinking water shortage and fodder. Speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Deshpande and Mr. Byre Gowda said 2,999 villages and 451 wards in urban local bodies have been facing drinking water crisis. A total of ₹713 crore was with Deputy Commissioners and they can release it for hiring tankers and drilling borewells, Mr. Byre Gowda said. Mr. Deshpande said the State was facing 40% deficiency in pre-monsoon showers.