Karwar: Minister Mankala Vaidya, presiding over a drought management meeting at the Deputy Commissioner Hall, issued a stern warning to taluk tahsildars, holding them accountable for any deficiencies in public drinking water and cattle fodder systems. The state government allocated Rs 16.50 crores to the district for drought management, disbursed by the District Collector to all Taluk Tahsildars. 

Vaidya emphasized their responsibility to address potential issues promptly, warning of strict actions otherwise.

Tahsildars were instructed to identify water sources, arrange tanker supplies, and consider private borewells to prevent drinking water shortages. Vaidya assured sufficient funds, including a Rs 2 crore MLA fund, urging preparations without inconveniencing the public.

He directed Tahsildars to hold meetings every 10 days, addressing jurisdictional issues and implementing necessary measures. Vaidya stressed achieving a 100% Prots registration target for timely farmer access to crop solutions.

Vaidya highlighted the need to complete ongoing drinking water projects promptly, ensuring suitable arrangements for public use. Despite a 16% rain deficit with 12 taluks declared drought-prone, Vaidya assured ample resources for management. Previous instructions covered drinking water, water source monitoring, crop and relief management, fodder, employment relief, and food security.

Uttara Kannada DC Gangubai Manakar reported taluk-level task force meetings and released grants for drought management.