Siddu emphasizes significance of showcasing heritage of Karnataka to world

Team Udayavani, Oct 15, 2023, 2:06 PM IST

Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday, October 15 emphasized the significance of showcasing the heritage of the region to the world.

He was talking at the inagural function of Nada Habba Mysuru Dasara

The Chief Minister inaugurated the the world-famous Mysuru Dasara Mahotsav in a traditional manner by offering Agra Puja to Mother Chamundeshwari Devi at the revered Chamundi Hill.

In his address, Siddaramaiah underscored the importance of spreading prosperity, progress, culture, and the cultural richness of the Karnataka to the global community through the grand festival of Dasara.

He also praised the cultural values of the people and their capacity to share love, emphasizing that it is both a religious and moral duty to treat individuals of all castes and religions with the utmost love and dignity.

However, the Chief Minister did not ignore the harsh reality of the drought that has gripped 116 taluks across the state, leaving them parched and without rainfall.

Siddaramaiah said the farmers of the state have incurred a loss of Rs 30,000 crore due to drought this year.

According to him, there is a crop loss of 42 lakh hectares and 216 out of 236 taluks of the state have been declared drought-hit.

”There is crop loss of 42 lakh hectares in the state. The farmers have incurred a loss of Rs 30,000 this year. As per the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms, we have sought Rs 4,860 crore from the Union government and the Central team has visited the drought-hit areas,” Siddaramaiah said addressing people during the inauguration of historic Mysuru Dasara festival.

He said the state government had earlier declared drought in 195 taluks of the state. Now again after the meeting, the cabinet sub-committee has announced drought in 21 taluks. In all, 216 taluks have been declared drought-hit, he said.

Siddaramaiah said the state government will provide input subsidies to the farmers for drinking water, fodder, water for the cattle, employment and other relief measures.

”This year’s speciality is that we are witnessing green drought where crops have grown but there is no yield,” he noted.