Daijworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Aug 20: "In the undivided district of Dakshina Kannada, 21 people have died and 2,485 houses are damaged due to rain and flood from April 1, 2018 to August 19, 2018," said revenue minister R V Deshpande.
He was speaking at a press conference at Circuit House on the damage caused due to the recent rain and flood.
"I have got the information from the deputy commissioner with regards to the relief work that is undertaken. In Dakshina Kannada district, 12 people have died due to rain and Rs five lac compensation per person has been distributed to 11 of the deceased. One person is yet to get the compensation. In total, 1,326 houses are partially damaged and 289 houses are completely damaged. Rs 1.41 crore is distributed in this regard as compensation. Rs 2.96 lac has been given as compensation for the 12 cattle that died due to the rain. The estimate is being done of the loss to the crops. Relief centers have been opened at seven places," informed the minister.
Nine deaths in Udupi district
Deshpande said, "Nine people have died in the district of Udupi and Rs 45 lac is distributed as compensation. As many as 1,119 houses are partially damaged and 40 houses are completely damaged. A total of 16 cattle died due to the natural calamity and compensation for the same has been already given.”
Five crore for each DC
"Each DC has been given an amount of Rs five crore for emergency relief. DC of Udupi has asked for additional Rs four crore and this will be released on Monday, August 20. Grant of Rs 50 crore each is released for rain-affected districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikkamagaluru and Rs 100 crore to Kodagu in order to provide basic infrastructure," said the minister.
DCs asked for estimate of damage
Deshpande spoke on the estimate of damage and said, "The DCs have been asked to prepare an estimate of the damage caused to the road and bridges due to the rain after conducting a survey of the same. If schools or government buildings are damaged, a direction is given to submit the estimate of the same under CRF. This will be presented in the cabinet meeting and sent to the central government."
Kodagu floods: 826 people rescued
Giving details of the relief work at Kodagu, the minister said, "As many as 826 people have been rescued from areas of Jodupala, Madenadu and Monnangeri which have borne the brunt of landslide and heavy downpour. They are provided shelter in Sampaje, Kallugundu school and Arantodu Tekkil hall. There is a possibility of some people still stuck in these areas and the rescue operation is in progress. Temporary arrangement will be made for students in local schools to continue their education till alternate arrangements are made.
"NDRF, revenue department, police, home guards and members of voluntary organizations are involved in protection and relief operations under the leadership of the deputy commissioner. All have to obtain a receipt for the relief material which they are supplying to the deputy commissioner. We will take a decision after discussing the online contribution to the chief minister relief fund,” he said.
Survey for an alternate route
Minister U T Khader giving the details of an alternate route to Bengaluru said, "Thirteen kilometers of Madikeri road has been collapsed and is filled with sludge and mud. At least four months are required to restore this road. Verification is being done to provide an alternate road on Bhagamandala - Tarikere road. It will take at least a month before the Shiradi Ghat is open for traffic."
Study by experts to know the cause of landslide
"I will request the chief minister to conduct a thorough study by experts to find out the reason for the natural calamity and landslide that has occurred in the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu," said Deshpande.
Replying to a query whether the Yettinahole project is the reason, the minister replied that he is not an expert and comprehensive study will be done in this regard.
Former minister Vijay Kumar offered a cheque of his monthly pension of Rs 49,000 to minister Deshpande as his contribution to the chief minister relief fund for the rain-affected victims. Former minister B Ramanath Rai, MLC Harish Kumar and in charge DC Kumar were present.