Make it a priority to fill tanks: Agriculture Minister tells officials

Minister for Agriculture N. Cheluvarayaswamy on Monday directed officials to accord priority to fill tanks, as the Cauvery catchment area received good rainfall. Farmers will be benefited in the coming days if tanks are filled, he said.

Presiding over the Irrigation Advisory Committee meeting at Krishnaraja Sagar, Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy, who is also the Minister in charge of Mandya district, said it is an appropriate time to ensure that the tanks at the tail-end areas of the taluks are filled.

The Minister told the officials that there should not be any complaints from farmers, elected representatives, and organisations on not getting water for farming activities when the KRS is full.

He said that there is no shortage of funds for desilting tanks and maintenance works. Discussions should be held with MLAs, and the funds can be utilised accordingly for carrying out the works.

MLA for Srirangapatna Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda said the present situation is beneficial for agricultural activities. However, the officials need to plan so that there is no water problem for summer crops.

Deputy Commissioner Kumar shared details on the inflow and outflow of the dam over the last years.