Hailstorm damage: Lad orders crop survey, relief for farmers

Dharwad: Labour minister Santosh S Lad on Wednesday directed officials to complete the survey of agricultural and horticultural crops damaged by an unexpected hailstorm in villages across Kalghatagi taluk and other parts of the district and submit the report at the earliest to facilitate relief to farmers as per norms.Addressing a District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting at the deputy commissioner's office here, Lad, who is also the district minister, said hailstorms — reported after nearly a decade — had caused extensive damage to mango, sugarcane, and several agricultural, horticultural and commercial crops, including both winter and summer crops.He instructed officials of the agriculture, horticulture and revenue departments to carry out a joint survey and submit a detailed report to the district administration without delay. He noted that the mango crop had suffered severe damage in Kalghatagi taluk.The minister said farmers who had insured their crops, including mango, would receive compensation through crop insurance. In addition, he said the govt would provide relief as per rules under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). He asked the district administration to submit a proposal seeking a special grant from the govt to compensate farmers for losses caused by the untimely hailstorm.Lad also raised concern over recurring drinking water shortages during the summer months in several villages and city wards. He stressed the need for permanent solutions to the problem and instructed officials to ensure proper supervision and timely completion of drinking water works.DC Snehal R said the crop damage survey was in its final stage and a comprehensive report would be submitted soon. She added that insurance companies had been directed to expedite the distribution of crop insurance compensation to affected farmers.She also ordered the restoration of Hescom infrastructure damaged due to unseasonal rains. At present, 14 villages are facing drinking water scarcity, and water is being supplied through local private borewells, she said.The DC said compensation had already been provided for the loss of buffaloes, horses, goats and sheep caused by lightning strikes. She added that 201 electric poles and 26 power transformers were damaged due to heavy rain, wind and lightning, and all the damaged transformers have since been replaced. The total loss to the Hescom department has been estimated at Rs 119.5 lakh.Overall, crops spread over an area of 1,980 hectares of agricultural and horticultural land have been damaged across the district, she added.