In response to the devastating impact of pre-monsoon rains in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for swift action to provide relief to affected areas. During a meeting with district officials and Zilla Panchayat CEOs, the Chief Minister expressed his concerns over the reported deaths and property damages caused by the heavy rainfall. He emphasized the importance of prompt assistance and warned of severe consequences for any negligence in duty. Siddaramaiah informed reporters that the pre-monsoon showers, which typically occur from April to June, had exceeded the normal levels by 10 percent this year. Tragically, 52 individuals have lost their lives, 331 livestock have perished, 20,000 hectares of crops have been damaged, and 814 houses have been affected thus far. Immediate relief measures were deemed necessary to address these pressing issues. The Chief Minister disclosed that ₹5 lakh had already been provided to the families of the deceased, offering support to those affected by incidents such as tree falls, lightning strikes, or being washed away by rainwater. Furthermore, relief efforts were extended to cover livestock losses and assess damages to houses, with the aim of providing immediate aid.
Siddaramaiah stressed the need for officials to be proactive in fulfilling their responsibilities, given the high expectations placed upon the new government. He issued strict instructions to Deputy Commissioners and CEOs of Zilla Panchayats, urging them to take swift action and warning of repercussions for any negligence. Acknowledging that the monsoon season is anticipated to begin on June 9th, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of preparedness. He mentioned that pre-monsoon sowing had already taken place on over 2 lakh hectares of land. Siddaramaiah assured officials that additional funds would be provided if necessary, with ₹540 crore already allocated to Deputy Commissioners, and ₹331 crore available in the disaster relief fund.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure an adequate supply of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides and directed them to address the perennial issue of flooding in Bengaluru. Desilting drains and removing encroachments from stormwater drains were identified as crucial tasks, with clear instructions given to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). In conclusion, Siddaramaiah emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging officials to visit affected areas, assess the ground realities, and make informed decisions. The government’s commitment to providing relief and mitigating future damage was underlined, aiming to prevent roads from being inundated and ensuring the safety and well-being of the people.