Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SHP)
Udupi, Aug 7: Monsoons have wreaked havoc in the district and have given rise to the problem of landslides, floods and coastal erosion. Taking cognisance of the devastation inflicted by rains, revenue minister R Ashok visited Padubidri beach on Friday, August 7.
Speaking to media persons he said, "There is Rs 3.5 crore available in the district relief fund. We have a plan to construct a permanent retaining wall at Padubidri beach to prevent coastal erosion. I have asked the deputy commissioner to construct a proposal regarding the same. On receiving a viable proposal, Rs 5 crore will be released for the project."
"Additionally, the NDRF also has sufficient funds that have been sanctioned by the central government. The proposal of making Padubidri beach a tourist destination will be withdrawn. There would be no tampering of nature in the area. I will discuss the matter with tourism minister C T Ravi. As we know the situation is difficult when it comes to conducting rescue operations during monsoon," he added.
Highlighting on the entire scenario prevailing in the stated due to monsoons, Ashok said, "Apart from Kodagu, other cities in the district do not seem to be facing catastrophic conditions. Earlier, when we realised the intensity of monsoons in Kodagu, we tried to coerce people to evacuate to a safer place. Unfortunately, they paid no heed to us and now the situation turned grim for the residents."
The revenue minister asserted that the state government has released Rs 20 crore to the fire department to acquire rescue operating equipment. "We are undertaking necessary preparations to prevent mismanagement while conducting the rescue operations. The aim is to provide better facilities than the previous year. Meetings and discussions have been conducted with different deputy commissioners in the state. To combat the fury of nature, police, fire and revenue departments will work in coordination. All departmental officials have been instructed to maintain strict vigil all the time. Hope and pray that situation will turn to normalcy soon," he added.
Ashok also announced that he would visit three districts Mangaluru, Udupi and Karwar on August 7 and 8.
Responding to the reason for the absence of district in-charge minister Basavaraj Bommai, Ashok said, "Bommai is more active than myself. He has been visiting places and reviewing the development in those areas."
DC G Jagadeesha, Mangaluru district in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, Coastal Development Authority president Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, Kaup tahsildar Mohammed Isak, SP Vishnuvardhan and others were present.