We protected farmers' interests while following court orders, thanks to heavy rainfall: K'taka DyCM Shivakumar

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 20 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Saturday that the state government managed to protect farmers' interests while adhering to court orders on Cauvery water release to Tamil Nadu, thanks to recent heavy rainfall in the region.
He said that the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) near Mysuru will be full in a few days, allowing water to flow to Tamil Nadu.
"The water has already been released into the canals, and we will take necessary steps to fill up tanks to help farmers. Farmers need to be a little careful while planting paddy, as we don't know how much water will be eventually available. It will be decided after discussions with the Agriculture Department," Shivakumar said while speaking to reporters at the KPCC office in Bengaluru.
"We have halted boating in Ranganathittu bird sanctuary as a precautionary measure. A red alert has been declared for all areas along the river as water can be released from KRS at any time. There have been some casualties in the coastal areas of the State due to landslides, our MLAs and party leaders are overseeing the rescue and relief works," Shivakumar said.
Referring to Union Minister Kumaraswamy's visit to Ankola and other rain-affected areas, he said, "How will Kumaraswamy's visit help the rain-affected people? He hasn't come with CRPF or something to help. Our MLAs have already visited the landslide place. Our ministers, Krishna Byregowda and Mankala Vaidya have already assessed the situation and are taking necessary action. Our government has taken all necessary steps."
"Kumaraswamy is visiting these places, let him visit. But, let's not do politics over rain disasters," he added.
Asked about the government taking back the money allocated to all Corporations, he said, "This was a move to bring transparency in Corporations and we had informed Corporation chairmen about this move. There were some crooks in the system during BJP's tenure and they have continued in our term too. D group workers have been made MDs of certain corporations; we will investigate such cases. The Finance department will manage all their funds."
Asked about the meeting with district and block-level Congress party workers, he said, "We have to restructure the party at the block level. The current set of presidents have worked for the party for a long time and they need to be rewarded. The Court may give the green signal for elections at any time, we need to prepare for that. We have called for a meeting of all district levels and block levels today to discuss these aspects. Those office bearers who are not active in party works will be removed."
Speaking to reporters after the event, the DCM said, "We have given instructions to set up committees. Party workers will be given preference in nominations for various committees. Nominations will be based on social justice."
The Deputy CM said a committee has been formed under the leadership of Home Minister G Parameshwara. "We have received 7000-8000 applications. We have instructed the committee to consider strong candidates in the villages even if one has not applied," he said.