Hailstorms Cause Major Crop Damage in Koppal; Government Plans Compensation
Recent hailstorms have caused extensive damage to agricultural lands in Karnataka’s Koppal district, with paddy crops spread over 12,722.46 hectares severely affected. Of this, Karatagi taluk alone accounts for 4,895.33 hectares of the damage, according to Shivraj Tangadagi, Minister for Kannada and Culture and Welfare of Backward Classes, who is also in charge of the Koppal district.
On April 13, Minister Tangadagi visited the hailstorm-affected areas in Kanakagiri and Karatagi taluks to assess the situation. Speaking to the media, he stated that the hailstorm, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, had caused widespread destruction, particularly in Karatagi taluk, where 12 villages bore the brunt of the storm.
“A significant portion of the paddy crop in Karatagi taluk has been destroyed. Across Koppal district, the combined impact of hail, rain, and strong winds has led to crop damage covering 12,722.46 hectares,” he said. Also Read | Agriculture at the Core: Meghalaya’s Path to $10-Billion Economy by 2028
The Minister announced that affected farmers would receive compensation of ₹17,000 per acre, in accordance with the norms set by the Union Government. He added that he, along with Ministers N.S. Bosaraju and Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, had already raised the issue during a cabinet meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
“I have personally directed the tahsildars, village accountants, and officials from the agriculture department to conduct thorough assessments in the affected areas. I have also discussed the compensation issue with the Chief Minister, who has instructed that a detailed crop damage survey report be submitted. A special cabinet meeting has been scheduled for April 17. We—three ministers and the local MLAs—intend to meet the Chief Minister after the meeting, or possibly a day before, to follow up on this issue,” he said.
Regarding the Tungabhadra dam, the Minister clarified that its management falls under a separate board governed by the Union Government, not the Karnataka State Government. “We are prepared to contribute Karnataka’s share of the funds whenever required,” he affirmed.
Investigation into KRDCL Irregularities
In response to a question about alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Rural Development and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (KRDCL), Minister Tangadagi confirmed that an investigation has been initiated. “I have spoken with the managing director, and a case has already been registered. Appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty. We have also received information about outstanding GST dues amounting to ₹17 crore and ₹25 crore,” he added.
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