Mysuru Faces Water Woes
As the specter of a below-par monsoon looms large, the Mysuru-Chamarajanagar district administration has swung into action to mitigate potential losses to farmers. In a high-level meeting convened on Sunday, Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah stressed the need for farmers to adopt a cautious approach to crop planning, taking into account weather forecasts and rainfall patterns.
Crop Diversification Emphasized
Given the uncertain monsoon prospects, the Minister advised farmers to shift their focus from water-intensive crops to more resilient varieties like ragi, jowar, and pulses. This strategic shift is expected to minimize losses and ensure a stable agricultural output. Furthermore, the Agriculture Department has been tasked with intensifying awareness campaigns on crop diversification and providing scientific guidance to farmers.
To address the issue of downy mildew affecting jowar fields in certain regions, the Minister instructed officials to step up awareness drives and offer expert guidance to farmers. Additionally, he directed the Forest Department to expedite statutory clearances for new borewells and pipeline works, anticipating a surge in demand.
Drinking Water Concerns
With the rainfall deficit sparking concerns over water availability, the Minister underscored the importance of closely monitoring the drinking water situation. He instructed officials to conduct regular field visits and arrange for private borewells and tanker supply in villages facing shortages. Moreover, he stressed that drinking water projects should not be considered complete until power connections are provided and water supply commences.
The Minister also ordered mandatory quality testing of water supplied through private borewells and tankers, ensuring that the water is safe for consumption. To fast-track drinking water projects under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme in Chamarajanagar district, the Mysuru City Corporation has been directed to prepare a ward-wise assessment of drinking water problems.
Legislators Weigh In
Several legislators, including Sunil Bose, Tanveer Sait, and K. Harish Gowda, raised concerns and offered suggestions to address the drinking water crisis. Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy announced that funds under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for drinking water could be utilized only after an official drought declaration.
Source: Original Article
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