PM may make aerial survey on Oct 6

“The incessant rains have caused extensive damage in the State. A letter has been written to the Prime Minister giving details of the damage caused to crops and properties. The PM will be briefed in detail during his aerial survey,” he said here on Sunday, after conducting an aerial survey of areas ravaged by rains in Belgaum district.
A comprehensive picture on the extent of damage will emerge only after a survey. There is no dearth of funds for rescue and rehabilitation. Since there are possibilities of more rains in other districts, the authorities have been directed to take precautionary measures.

On possible delay in the Centre’s decision on payment of crop insurance, he said, in case of delay, the compensation will be disbursed in accordance with the guidelines of the State government.  The all-party meeting called on Oct 5 to discuss the flood situation is postponed.

Speaking to reporters after a review meeting at Bijapur, the CM said that an additional sum of Rs 100 crore has been released. “No officer will be allowed to avail leave for a period of one month. They have to respond to public needs round-the-clock,” he said. The meetings of all the House Committees have been deferred. The legislators have been asked to stay at their respective constituencies and oversee the operation.

More than 17.8 million people have become refugees owing to unprecedented rains in 15 districts of the State. As many as 135 people have lost lives so far while 2,847 cattle are washed away and 2,00,000 houses have collapsed. Crops, roads and bridges have been damaged. Extent of loss may exceed Rs 20,000 crore, he said adding that the PM has been requested to send Central study teams for assessing the damage. Ministers Halappa and Katta Subramanya Naidu are entrusted with the responsibility of supervising relief operation in Koppal district. The CM appealed heads of religious and educational institutions for assistance.

He was scheduled to visit the marooned villages in Badami. However, the tanker which had come to fuel the helicopter was trapped in the helipad as a result of which the itinerary was changed. He went on an aerial survey of Belgaum district and later landed at Bagalkot.



Loss of life and property