Bengaluru: Following a video conference with concerned ministers, district deputy commissioners, chief executive officers of zilla panchayats, and other officials to review damage caused by the rains between June 1 and Sept 7, the govt Monday estimated crop losses at approximately Rs 550 crore. Chief minister Siddaramaiah, who chaired the meeting, directed all DCs to conduct a joint survey involving relevant departments and submit a comprehensive report within 10 days. Addressing officials, Siddaramaiah noted that while the state received 4% more rainfall than average during this period, it was erratic in nature with some areas receiving more while others recorded a deficit. “We received 753mm this year against an average 721mm,” Siddaramaiah said. “I have instructed all DCs to conduct a joint survey and assess crop losses and other damages.” Joint surveys are currently underway across affected districts. Officials say the Rs 550 crore figure is preliminary and may change based on final survey reports. Initial assessments indicate crop damage across 5.2 lakh hectares, with the worst-affected areas Bidar, Gadag, Dharwad, Belagavi, Bagalkot, Haveri, Vijayapura, and Kalaburagi districts alone accounting for losses on 5.1 lakh hectares. Siddaramaiah promised to ensure district administrations have adequate funds to begin distributing compensation. “If additional funds are needed, the govt will discuss the joint survey reports in the cabinet and sanction further funding,” he said. Highlighting the human toll due to heavy rainfall, Siddaramaiah revealed that 111 people lost their lives due to rain-related incidents between April 1 and Sept 7. The state govt has disbursed Rs 5 lakh to the families of each victim, amounting to over Rs 5.5 crore in compensation. In addition, Rs 1.2 crore has been released to farmers affected by crop damage, with approximately 1,110 crop varieties reportedly impacted. The heavy rains also caused widespread infrastructure damage. Official data shows 651 houses were completely destroyed while 9,087 homes sustained partial damage. Compensation has been provided to affected residents. Road and public infrastructure also suffered significantly with 683km of state highways, 1,383km of district roads, and 5,558km of village roads damaged. Furthermore, 656 bridges and 1,877 school buildings sustained damage during the rainy period. Siddaramaiah Monday said all reservoirs in the state, except Tungabhadra, are full. He said authorities have stored only 80tmc (total capacity 101tmc) at Tungabhadra Dam to prevent damage to the crest gates. He said a tender has been issued to replace all 32 crest gates at Tungabhadra Dam, with eight ready for installation. The development of the dam’s infrastructure, including replacement of crest gates, falls under the jurisdiction of the Tungabhadra Board. “We have requested the board to complete replacement and repairs as soon as possible. We asked the board to complete the work at least before the next monsoon,” he said.
