Belagavi: In a heart-wrenching incident that serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of Karnataka’s relentless drought crisis, a desperate farmer nearly consumed poison in front of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), responsible for evaluating the dire drought situation gripping the state. Swift and vigilant police intervention, accompanying the central team, averted what could have been a tragic loss of life.
Appasaheb Lakkundi, a beleaguered farmer hailing from Belagavi, seized a bottle of pesticide in a desperate cry for help. The police acted swiftly to confiscate the lethal substance before he could ingest it.
Appasaheb Lakkundi, visibly distraught, implored the central team members to comprehend the harrowing toll the drought had exacted on his life and livelihood. His impassioned plea included a heartfelt appeal for prompt government intervention to alleviate the dire circumstances confronting farmers across the region.
The gravity of this incident resonated deeply with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who offered a comprehensive briefing to the visiting central team. Siddaramaiah underscored the urgency of securing financial aid from the Central government, citing Karnataka’s formal request for a relief package exceeding Rs. 4,000 crore to address the drought crisis.
“Approximately 52% of our state’s crops have succumbed to the ravages of drought. We have petitioned the Central government for a relief package totaling Rs. 4,860 crore. Furthermore, I have earnestly requested the immediate release of the promised Rs. 5,300 crore for the Upper Bhadra Project,” emphasized Siddaramaiah, shedding light on the profound repercussions of the drought catastrophe across Karnataka.
The drought’s devastating impact has affected a staggering 195 taluks within Karnataka, with some areas categorized as severely affected. The Central team’s exhaustive tour encompasses visits to Belagavi, Bagalkot, Chitradurga, Dharwad, Gadag, Koppal, Ballari, Vijayanagar, Chikkaballapura, Davangere, Vijayapura, Tumakuru, and Bengaluru Rural districts.
Their mandate extends to a comprehensive assessment of the drought conditions, culminating in a comprehensive report that will serve as the foundation for potential government actions aimed at alleviating the suffering endured by drought-stricken regions throughout the state.