Threat of drought looms large
Apart from the conventional drought belts such as North Karnataka threat of famine looms large in other parts of the state as well.
86 taluks of 23 districts have already faced shortfall of rain as per the state government. Another 14 Taluks entered that list on Monday. Revenue department has initiated work to prepare a list of drought stricken regions to be sent to the centre to seek aid. Report on crop loss would also be submitted to the centre. Survey has been undertaken in regions where there is rain shortfall and declared drought.
Details like depreciating groundwater table crop loss shortage of cattle feed and shortage of drinking water would be included in the report. Shortage of rain and increased dryness in the environment for more than 3 weeks would be considered as parameters for this report which would help decide the drought level in the region.
Along with 86 taluks, Anekal in Bangalore district, Devanahalli, Tumkur, Turuvekere, Holalkere, Hosadurga, Davanagere, Jagalur, Pandavapura, Aurad, Basavakalyan, Athani, Bilagi, Mudhol areas has been declared as drought stricken regions. Government has responded to drought situation after much delay. Floods in Kodagu and other natural disasters to cover the focus of administration from the drought situation looming in other areas of the state.
Kalburgi in Bijapur, which are tur/pigeon pea growing regions, have faced worst crisis ever. Their main crops such as cotton and tur have already failed with flowers that would turn into seeds, falling off the dry plants. Temperature is getting scathing hot with every passing day and this has got the farmers very worried about their crops.
Failed crop would mean increased loans which would be difficult to repay.
They bought seeds for cotton on loan. And since rains have failed, they will never find a way to repay this loan. And this is a very worrying time for farmers. The heat has already increased in Koppal, Bijapur, Raichur and Kalaburgi. Situation of drinking water is very grave in Bijapur and surrounding areas and state government is supplying drinking water through tankers. But the quantity of water is never enough for families. Because every family barely gets two buckets of water.
Lakes and tanks have dried groundwater is depleted people barely have water to drink or take bath.
MGNREGA is not being implemented effectively. Officers are not submitting accounts hence the bills are not being passed this delaying payments. Though each day's job should ensure a payment of Rs 249, people never get this and fake bills are being generated to deprive the poor of rightful earnings. Job for 100 days is not sufficient under these dire circumstances, and people are demanding that at least 300 days of work is needed to keep their families from going hungry.
Rains have failed in all phases and though officers are suggesting alternate crops, there are barely any takers for that owing to no rains. state government has to bring this to the notice of Central government to get more help and funds along with resources. Relief measures have to be initiated and drinking water problem has to be solved. The issue of migration has to be checked to ensure socio economic balance. Chief minister has to visit drought stricken areas to understand the gravity of the situation.
Not just North Karnataka, some areas in Dakshina Kannada have also turned into permanent drought stricken villages. Kolar Chikkaballapur and Tumkur have been facing shortfall of rain since many years. government has to initiate novel methods of conserving water like desilting the tanks in These areas to collect more rain water which can be used later for various purposes. The drought situation this time is a lot grave than ever. Hence the state cannot sit on the figures submitted by officers to offer help. District incharge ministers have visit their areas to understand the progress of the works that have been undertaken to tackle the problem.
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Australia 67/7 at stumps in reply to India's 150 on Day 1 of first Test
Perth, Nov 22: Australia suffered a stunning batting collapse as they managed 67 for 7 at stumps in reply to India's 150 in the first innings on Day 1 of the first Test here on Friday.
India, who were all out for 150 from 49.4 overs at the stroke of tea, grabbed seven Australian wickets in 27 overs in the final session of the day.
Alex Carey (19 batting) and Mitchell Starc (6 batting) were at the crease at stumps, as Australia trail by 83 runs. Seventeen wickets fell on the day on a lively pitch at the Perth Stadium.
Australia's abject surrender could be seen from the fact that Carey was their highest scorer while Travis Head and debutant Nathan McSweeney made 11 and 10 respectively. All the other Australian batters could not reach double-digit figures.
For India, captain Jasprit Bumrah (4/17) was the pick of the bowlers while Mohammed Siraj (2/17) and debutant Harshit Rana (1/33) also chipped in.
Earlier, electing to bat, India lost six wickets in the second session to be all out for 150.
Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scored with 41 off 59 balls while Rishabh Pant chipped in with 37. Opene KL Rahul got out to a controversial caught behind decision just before lunch after scoring 26 off 74 balls.
For Australia, Josh Hazlewood (4/29), Mitchell Starc (2/14), Mitchell Marsh (2/12) and captain Pat Cummins (2/67) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Scores:
India: 150 all out in 49.4 overs (KL Rahul 26, Rishabh Pant 37, Nitish Kumar Reddy 41; Josh Hazlewood 4/29).
Australia: 67 for 7 in 27 overs (Alex Carey batting 19; Jasprit Bumrah 4/17).
