Karwar: All department officials must recognize their responsibility and fulfill their duties to ensure there are no issues for the public and livestock during drought management in the district, said District In-charge Minister Mankal Vaidya.

Vaidya also issued strict instructions to all district-level officials, warning that any lapses in drought management would result in action against the responsible officials.

He presided over a meeting today at the Zilla Panchayat Hall in Karwar to review the progress of drought management, joint crop surveys in the district, and the necessary preparations.

 Currently, in the district, 5 taluks are severely drought-prone, and 6 taluks are categorized as normal drought-prone, totaling 11 taluks declared as drought-prone. The state government has already released 16.50 crores for drought management in the district. Additionally, a proposal of Rs 80 crore has been submitted for agricultural damage through the Department of Agriculture, and this amount will be directly credited to farmers' accounts through DBT.

The minister urged immediate precautions to ensure no issues with drinking water for the public and cattle during the drought. He emphasized the need for permanent solutions in villages with water problems and preventive measures for future water shortages. Adequate arrangements should be made in cowsheds to prevent fodder shortages for cattle.

The minister stressed timely deposit of crop insurance compensation in farmers' accounts, completion of crop survey and fruit registration within 15 days throughout the district, and diligent work by officials to avoid any issues with government financial assistance to farmers.

To address employment during the drought in rural areas, the minister recommended issuing job cards to everyone and utilizing the employment guarantee scheme extensively. District and taluk level officers should conduct regular meetings to handle the drought situation appropriately without causing inconvenience to the public.

While emphasizing that there is no shortage of funds for drought management, the minister urged authorities to provide government services to the public with a humanitarian and selfless approach.

Officials have been instructed to visit taluks, hold meetings on drought management, and take necessary precautions. All MLAs in the district have directed officials to conduct meetings in their jurisdictions and implement precautionary measures. People's representatives are actively performing their duties to prevent any issues due to drought, and the minister encouraged officials to seek direct assistance if needed.

Expressing displeasure over non-payment of water tanker bills during the last summer, the minister instructed officials to settle outstanding bills promptly. 

Sirsi MLA Bhimanna Naik, DC Gangubai and various officers were present.