Tank desilting on a war-footing: Minister

shimoga: minister of state for minor irrigation kumar bangarappa on tuesday said that desilting of tanks under the raitha kayaka kere programme will be taken up on a war-footing in rural areas. speaking after inaugurating the new building of minor irrigation department located in the premises of old deputy commissioner''s office here, he said the desilting of tanks, which is under way, will help store water during the monsoon.``this will help us stave off drought-like conditions in case of inadequate rain this year.'''' while admitting delay in the start start of the programmes, kumar bangarappa said the department has now taken up the works in right earnest. the raitha kayaka kere programme is expected to bolster the underground water table. paddy crop destroyed: heavy rain accompanied by hailstorm played havoc with the paddy crop grown in 150 acres of land in kugvehalli near sagar taluk on monday. the farmers banking on paddy, the only crop to be grown this kharif, were cursing their fate when it was destroyed in rain. they have submitted a memorandum to tahsildar seeking compensation. rare coins found: labourers digging a piece of land in attihal village in the neighbouring district of chikmagalur stumbled upon a treasure when they discovered 21 gold coins of the greek period. the coins bear greek symbols and a few inscriptions. this accidental discovery came to light when a few labourers were squabbling over sharing the spoils. a witness to the quarrel tipped off the tarikere police who confiscated the coins. police are on lookout for the labourers.