CM to meet Kodagu flood victims today

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy is expected to address various aspects of flood relief measures in Kodagu during his visit on Wednesday.

The chief minister will interact with flood victims at the Gandhi Maidan at 11 am on Wednesday and will listen to the grievances of farmers as well. He will also chair a review meet with officers on the rehabilitation measures.

Confusions

The chief minister’s visit gathers significance in the wake of the confusions prevailing on flood relief and rehabilitation measures.

An officer added that the chief minister will also have lunch with the flood victims.

The general public, non-government organisations, donors, members of the Chamber of Commerce and office-bearers of the Hotel Owners’ Association have been invited by the district administration to take part in the interactive meeting.

A 100-acre site has been identified for rehabilitating of the flood victims. It has, however, not been finalised whether the funds will be provided to those who want to construct their own houses.

Three models of houses are being constructed on the land next to the Regional Transport Office.

Plantation owners

There is great disappointment among plantation owners who have lost their coffee estates due to landslides. No specific guidelines have been framed for compensation so far. According to officers, Rs 36,000 can be provided under the natural calamity relief funds.

There is also great demand to release a special package for Kodagu. The farmers have been demanding additional compensation for the loss of crops as well as land for farming.

Mounds of soil in the fields at Kaluru, Hebbattageri, Devasturu, Tantipala, Hemmettala, Monnangeri and Madenadu have not yet been cleared by the authorities, the victims complained.

During his visit to Kodagu on July 19 and 20, the chief minister had promised to release Rs 100 crore as a special package.