Deficit rainfall in Shivamogga impacts sowing and inflow to reservoirs, says DC

Shivamogga district has received a 55% deficit in rainfall since June 1, with sowing operations covered in only 13% of the district so far, Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti said.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Mr. Kavalikatti said farmers had delayed sowing due to scanty rainfall. However, he said there was time till the end of August for paddy cultivation in the district. “We are hopeful of improvement in sowing coverage in the coming days,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner said the deficit rainfall had resulted in insufficient inflow into the dams, and farmers could not expect water to be released from the dams for irrigation. “The available storage is sufficient to meet the drinking water requirement. As of now, there is no problem with the supply of drinking water in the district, except in three villages in Tirthahalli taluk, where tankers have been deployed,” he said.

Rain gauges

Responding to a question on the rain gauges in the district, the Deputy Commissioner said that of the 280 rain gauges installed, as many as 208 were not in working condition. After the matter was brought to the notice of the Disaster Management Cell, the faulty gauges were taken up for replacement. “I have enquired with the officers concerned. The replacement of the faulty machines will be completed within a week. The cell has assigned a private agency for maintenance of the gauges for the next three years,” he said.

Last year, areca growers had complained to the administration that they did not receive the crop insurance they were entitled to, owing to faulty rain gauge readings. The Deputy Commissioner said the faulty gauges were now being replaced.