Vidal: To help farmers fight unstable rainfall and lower groundwater levels, the Karnataka government has stepped up efforts to increase groundwater levels by building more farm ponds in the Vidal region.
Minister of Forests, Environment and Ecology Eshwar B. Khandre, who chaired a regional review meeting, was also the responsible minister for the Bidar region, directed officials to accelerate the program to ensure government funding benefits small-scale, marginal and SC/St Farmers. Officials told the minister that 334 farm ponds have been built this year and more will follow.
He directed the Joint Director of Agriculture to ensure the implementation of the initiative.
The minister urged officials from Raitha Samparka Kendras and the basin department to actively interact with farmers and raise awareness of the benefits of farm ponds. He stressed that the collected water is crucial for irrigation during the dry spell.
Khandre directed officials to take precautions and ensure that water supply reaches affected villages without delay. He stressed that any reported crisis must be resolved within 24 hours.
Residents of Rakshiyal, Karkhiyal (Aurad Taluk) and Dharajwadi (Bhalki Taluk) have raised concerns about drinking water shortages. The Minister directed the officials to take necessary steps. Authorities say 70 villages across the region may face drinking water shortages this summer and have taken necessary measures. They assured the minister that the tanker was supplying water to five villages in Kamar Nagar, while the tunnels were used elsewhere.
Concerned about crop damage caused by TUR, Khandre directed the Ministry of Agriculture to submit an immediate report on the losses. Farmers in neighboring Kalaburagi have suffered major damage due to cyber disease, raising concerns about similar crises in Bidar.
Deputy Director Shilpa Sharma, Propice Pradeep Gunti and other senior officials attended the meeting.
