Koppal: “Unseasonal rain in the recent past has caused extensive damage to crops in Koppal, Ballari, Yadgir, Kalaburagi and Bidar districts. Aerial survey has been conducted in Gangavati, Sindhanur, Manvi, Sirguppa and Kanakagiri. I have personally inspected the damage caused to crops in several areas. Compensation to those farmers would be given once officials of Agriculture and Revenue departments conduct a joint survey and submit a detailed report”, said Chief minister here on Friday.
Chief minister after undertaking an aerial survey of the rain-affected areas, told reporters the officials have been told to submit a detailed report in two to three days. The government will take steps to distribute the compensation to the affected farmers based on the guidelines laid down by the Centre.
Siddaramaiah further said compensation would be distributed to the kin of the deceased farmers and the government might also announce a special package for the affected region, if needed.
So far, the government used to pay a compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh in case of death. Henceforth, a compensation of Rs four lakh would be paid to the family members of the deceased. Likewise, compensation for crop loss is being increased to Rs 13,450 per hectare from Rs 9,000 per hectare. Compensation for horticulture crop loss will be enhanced from Rs 12,000 to Rs 18,000 per hectare. Persons injured in natural calamities will get a compensation of Rs 2 lakh, he added.
According to sources, crops on 56,112 hectares of land have suffered damaged due to the unseasonal rain in the recent past. Horticulture crops on 1,450 hectares too have suffered damage. Thunder showers have left 14 dead in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region. Further, 774 cattle heads in the region were killed during the rain.
Photo courtesy: Indian Express
