MLA threatens protest against govt. failure to include Gurmitkal in drought-hit list

Gurmitkal Janata Dal(S) MLA Sharanagouda Kandkur has strongly criticized the State government for omitting Gurmitkal and Yadgir taluks from its recent drought-hit notification.

The legislator warned that he will launch a protest outside the Vidhana Soudha if these taluks are not included in the upcoming second list of declared drought-affected regions.

​Addressing reporters at his office in Yadgir, Mr. Kandkur questioned the criteria and parameters used by the State government to determine drought severity across districts.

​Citing official rainfall data, the MLA pointed out that between June 1 and July 31, Yadgir and Gurmitkal taluks experienced severe rainfall deficits of 59% and 58%, respectively.

The shortfall persisted till August 28, with deficits standing at 54% for Yadgir and 44% for Gurmitkal.

Meanwhile, neighboring Shahapur and Shorapur taluks recorded deficits of 50% and 35%.

Despite these alarming numbers, Yadgir and Gurmitkal have been left out of the official list of drought-hit taluks, he noted.

​”The State government must clarify the exact grounds on which these taluks have been excluded and give explicit details about the parameters applied during the assessment,” Mr. Kandkur demanded.

​He said that major kharif crops, including green gram, red gram and cotton, have largely withered due to the prolonged dry spell. Farmers in rain-fed areas are facing crop losses and are preparing to migrate to cities in search of livelihoods.

​Seeking immediate State intervention, Mr. Kandkur called upon the Congress government to include both Yadgir and Gurmitkal in the second list of drought-hit taluks and promptly deploy relief measures to safeguard the interests of farmers.