Karnataka govt to launch 3D projection, sound and light shows at Hampi heritage site: CM Siddaramaiah

The government has also sanctioned Rs 2 crore for a blackbuck sanctuary at Bidar. He said Janapada Loka – which will highlight various folk art traditions of the region – will be established at Koppal at Rs 3.5 crore.

Commenting on the drought situation in the state, the chief minister said the state government had announced 161 taluks as severely drought-affected talukas and 34 as moderately drought-affected. “Orders have already been issued to take up drought relief works. Officers have been directed to ensure the safety of sources of drinking water and pipelines in the wake of the drought situation in the state,” Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to reporters following the event, he said the Karnataka government is developing a contingency plan to ensure drinking water supply and prevent water shortage. “The government will provide crop relief to farmers and will initiate measures to prevent migration of people due to the drought,” he said, adding that the extent of crop loss suffered was yet to be ascertained as ground truth data collection was underway.

On allegations by the BJP that Karnataka released water to Tamil Nadu, disregarding the plight of farmers in south Karnataka, he said that due to insufficient rainfall, the state had released 37.7 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water to Tamil Nadu against a requirement of 99 TMC (from June to September 13). “We have not released water. We have no water to release,” he said.

On suggestions that three deputy chief ministers should be appointed to the cabinet, Siddaramaiah said the party’s high command would have to take a call on the same. “Whatever the high command’s decision, I will go by it,” he said.