Ballari Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Mishra announced that an initial compensation of ₹7.26 crore has been disbursed to 36,944 farmers affected by drought in the district. This represents the first installment, with ₹2,000 deposited into the accounts of each affected farmer. The remaining compensation will be distributed once released by the government, as stated during a press conference held at the Ballari office on Wednesday.
Mishra provided details indicating that standing crops across 29,636.02 hectares in rain-fed areas and 11,254.58 hectares in irrigated areas of the district have suffered losses due to drought. The data was collected through the Farmer Registration and Unified Beneficiary Information System (FRUITS) initiated by the Revenue Department, and beneficiaries were selected based on this information.
In response to the potential drinking water crisis in rural areas, Mishra mentioned that the district administration has identified water sources and villages at risk. The exploration of private borewells for supplying drinking water to affected villages is also underway. Additionally, measures have been taken to address fodder shortages, ensuring a stock that can last for the next 24 weeks.
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur urged the public to use water judiciously, particularly in light of upcoming village and temple festivals. Addressing the issue of SSLC exam results, Sankanur highlighted ongoing training sessions for teachers aimed at improving academic outcomes in the district. Special books covering six subjects have been published under the Pratibimba initiative of the Zilla Panchayat and Kalika Aasare from the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board. Furthermore, two preparatory examinations are scheduled to better prepare students for the final SSLC examinations.
