Malavalli: Severe drought has struck several villages of the Mandya district, here on Saturday, May 25, which has created panic among the people.
Lakes and ponds of villages such as Doddakere, Marehalli, Kalkuni, Mikkere, Vadarhalli, Chottanahalli, B G Pura, Halaguru and other villages have been badly impacted.
Due to the scorching heat here, forest fires were also observed. The animals are starving without food and water.
As a result of this, water tankers have become a common scene in the villages, which are carrying water from borewells of neighbouring villages.
Amid this, several projects implemented by the state government in order to excavate silt from beneath the surface of ponds and lakes has gone totally waste, the reason being, corruption with regard to project funds. As a result of this, the quality of work is substandard. The lakes in Doddakere and Marehalli have completely dried up.
The reports say that the villagers have already begun selling their cattle to slaughter houses, as they are not able to feed the cattle due to unavailability of fodder. The situation is such that the department concerned should act immediately towards providing adequate fodder and drinking water.
A good yield was expected this season but the crops have been completely destroyed. Elephants, monkeys and deer are straying out of the forest in search of food and water in areas such as Shimsha, Netkal, Hebbani and others.
On the whole, the villagers have totally lost hopes due to the unforgiving summer and are praying for the rains to rejuvenate their lives.
