A  committee from the Centre visited various parts of Madikeri which have been the worst victims of excess rainfall, on Friday.

A team of three members headed by Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary Bhamathi inspected areas such as Mangaladevinagar, Bolibane near Napoklu, Bhagamandala, Talacauvery and other affected areas.

District administration informed to the team about the excess rainfall that lashed over the district, landslides, damage to infrastructure and crops that the rains caused.

The team held a meeting with the district administration about rain damages. Deputy Commissioner K R Niranjan informed that the rain damages in the district is estimated to be about Rs 63 crores. Six persons died during this rainy season, 24 cattle died, 210 bridges and 1000 kms of roads were damaged, all causing damage of worth Rs 41 lakh.

After visiting certain places in Somwarpet, the study team left to Sakleshpur. Directorate for Development of Oil Seeds Hyderabad Director D R Gurumukhi and Planning Commission officer Prabhudas were a part of the team.
About 1,370 houses have been damaged in the district and a sum of Rs 26.27 lakh has been disbursed as compensation to the victims. Crops in 2604.10 hectare land has been damaged, causing loss of over Rs 194.39 lakh. Horticulture crops in 2003.05 hectare has been damaged causing loss of Rs 742.11 Lakh. Coffee crops in 1130 hectares were damaged causing an estimated loss of Rs 516 lakh.

Bhagamandala-Iyyangeri, Lashmantheertha near Nitoor, Bolibane near Napoklu lost connectivity five times and a proposal of Rs 50 lakh has been chalked out to provide permanent solution for the problem by constructing a over-bridge in these areas, said Mr Niranjan.