Farmers in Tumakuru face severe water shortage, BJP demands emergency funds

During a visit to drought‑hit villages in Tumakuru, BJP state president BY Vijayendra warned that the region’s water reservoirs, including Hemavati, have receded dramatically, leaving both residents and livestock with scant drinking water. He pointed out that the district’s ten taluks have recorded below‑average rainfall, prompting him to request that all be officially classified as drought‑affected. Vijayendra highlighted that coconut, betel nut, and other horticultural crops are on the brink of loss, and that many farmers have been unable to commence sowing due to the arid conditions. He called for an immediate ₹10,000 crore state‑sponsored relief package, urging the government to fund the farmers’ share of crop‑insurance premiums and to provide a minimum of ₹50 lakh per taluk for insurance payments. Additionally, he demanded an extra ₹2 crore per taluk to bolster drinking‑water supply and a continuous seven‑hour, three‑phase electricity supply to safeguard garden crops. The BJP stressed that swift state action is essential before seeking any central assistance.