Mysuru: The monsoon has failed this year too and the drought has continued in the State. In the light of this, BJP State Raitha Morcha President and former Minister C.H. Vijayashankar, has urged the State Government to set up a Task Force headed by the Principal Secretary to see that, water in the reservoirs used only for drinking and agriculture purpose. He also threatened to launch a Statewide agitation if the government fails to take immediate measures to ensure sufficient water for drinking and agriculture purpose.

Vijayashankar was addressing a press meet at the Patrakartara Bhavan here yesterday and said that the drought situation is likely to continue this year too and the farmers are in distress as they are not able to grow crops. They are not able to sow and suffering losses, he added.

State not protecting farmers’ interest: In spite of the fourth year of drought, the State government has failed to protect the interest of the farmers. As a result, half of the horticulture crops have been destroyed. Hence, an expert committee should be set up to come to the aid of the farmers to save the available crops, urged Vijayashankar.

Advisory Committee: There are Advisory Committees set up for Cauvery, Kapila, Tungabhadra and other reservoirs in the State. As the reservoirs filled up the Advisory Committee meeting would be called to discuss how water should be utilised for what purpose. However, since the reservoirs are not full, no meeting has been called so far. Hence, a meeting should be called to take a decision on the utilisation of water and farmers should also be invited, he said.

According to the decisions taken in the meeting, the water in the reservoirs should be used for farming activities. Within 15 day if the lakes in the vicinity of the reservoirs are not filled, then Superintending Engineer’s offices in the respective areas will be ghearoed, he warned.

Crop Insurance Scheme: The Centre has implemented the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. However, in the State, the farmers growing horticulture crops are being denied the benefit by excluding them from the scheme. In the light of this, the State Government should implement the scheme before August end. Otherwise, the BJP Raitha Morcha will lay a siege to the Horticulture Department offices, he said.

In spite of the State reeling under severe drought, it has failed to convince the Supreme Court and stop the release of Cauvery to Tamil Nadu, he said.