Bangalore, Aug 13: Karnataka government has released Rs 25.2 crore to 126 drought-hit taluks for undertaking relief works including employment generation to the affected, Minister of State for Revenue Mallikarjun Nagappa said today. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee set up to monitor drought situation, headed by home minister Mallikarjun Kharge, he said Rs 12.6 crore has been released for employment generation and an equal sum for providing drinking water.

He said the meeting was called ahead of the Central team's two-day visit to drought-hit parts of the state commencing from August 18, to finalise the issues to be taken up with the team. The eight member official team, which arrives here on August 17, would tour the state in four teams, Nagappa said.

He said the Centre has released one lakh metric tonnes of rice as against state's plea for immediate release of 3.2 lakh metric tonnes.

The government after purchasing six rakes of fodder has decided to purchase another eight rakes and an official team would leave for Punjab and Haryana tomorrow. He said Chief Minister S M Krishna has written to the railway ministry to continue exemption from transport cost for the fodder purchased by the state.

Nagappa dismissed opposition BJP charge that funds and foodgrains provided by the Centre for drought relief works were being misused.

Bureau Report