K’taka Minister offers special prayers for good rains in Madikeri

Madikeri (Karnataka), Aug 23 (IANS) On the directions of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Minister for Agriculture and Madikeri district in-charge Minister P.M. Narendra Swamy offered special prayers at the sacred Sri Padi Igguthappa Temple in Kakkabe, Virajpet, on Sunday, seeking good rains across the state.

Speaking to reporters after the prayers, Narendra Swamy said the district administration had organised a special Rudrabhisheka and prayers at the temple as directed by the government, seeking abundant rainfall.

“If there is good rainfall in the land of Mother Cauvery and Sri Igguthappa, the reservoirs across the state will be filled, ensuring a good crop as well as adequate drinking water. I have prayed for abundant rainfall in the Cauvery and Igguthappa regions in the coming days,” he said.

The minister said adequate rainfall in the Cauvery basin would also help resolve inter-state water disputes.

“If the Cauvery basin receives average rainfall, inter-state water disputes can be resolved. Nearly 90 per cent of the problems can be addressed,” he said, adding that the state government had taken positive steps after gaining the confidence of all stakeholders.

He said the current shortage of rainfall had created several problems and prayers had been offered seeking more rain.

Responding to a question on measures to control the increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict in Madikeri, Narendra Swamy said the government was taking necessary steps to permanently address the problem of wild elephant menace.

However, he urged tourists, workers and others visiting forest-fringe areas to exercise caution and remain alert.

Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Political Secretary A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr Mantar Gowda; Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somashekar; Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena and Superintendent of Police R.N. Bindumani were among those present.

–IANS

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