Karnataka to write to Centre seeking funds for flood-hit districts: Report
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has reportedly decided to approach the Centre for financial assistance following the widespread devastation caused by heavy rains in the northern parts of the state. The severe downpours have led to massive crop losses and extensive damage to infrastructure in several districts.
“The government was likely to write a letter to the Centre after the conclusion of the second survey. Once we have evaluated the extent of damage to crops and other infrastructure, we will submit a request for funds to the Centre,” Deccan Herald quoted its sources as saying on Sunday.
The relentless rains during September, combined with water releases from reservoirs in Maharashtra, have severely impacted the Bhima River basin region. Crops across approximately 7.24 lakh hectares in districts like Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Bidar, and Vijayapura were destroyed, triggering widespread concern among farmers.
Although a joint survey had initially been conducted to assess the damage, the continuing rains towards the end of the month necessitated another round of evaluation. The revised assessment now estimates that the total crop damage extends to 12.54 lakh hectares across the affected districts.
In line with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) guidelines, the Karnataka government is preparing to draft a letter to the central government by the third week of October to request funding for relief operations, added the report.
However, the situation has raised concerns of a potential political clash between the state and central governments. In 2023, when drought conditions affected 216 taluks in Karnataka, the state had sought Rs 18,171 crore in aid from the Centre. Delays in the disbursal of these funds led the state to send a delegation to Delhi, but the matter remained unresolved, prompting the Karnataka government to take the issue to the Supreme Court.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
