Govt to build houses for rain-affected citizens: CM

Measures will be taken to provide houses to those who have lost houses in rain fury, said Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.

Addressing reporters at Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala on Monday night, Kumaraswamy said that, along with suitable compensation, the rain-affected people will be provided with new houses.

“The work will be taken up under the Ashraya scheme for those whose houses have incurred more than 70% damage. The pertaining policy has been amended and a government order has been issued to the concerned department regarding the compensation,” said the chief minister.

Kumaraswamy said that he could not visit the rain-affected parts of the urban areas as the model code of conduct is in force for the upcoming ULB elections.

He has, however, conducted meetings with the deputy commissioners and district-level officers in such parts and ordered them to implement relief measures.

Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu and Shivamogga districts have been the worst affected as the rainfall has been more than average in the three districts, he pointed out.

“On the auspicious occasion of Shravana Somavara, I had a glimpse of Lord Manjunatha, the presiding deity of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala. I also prayed for the well-being of the people of Karnataka,” he said and added that he has offered prayers along with his family members.

He clarified that he has not indulged in lavish expenditures. “I travel by road whenever possible. I have never used special flights to go to New Delhi,” he added.

The chief minister said that as per the directions of the Supreme Court, the Karnataka government will file its opinion on the Kasturirangan report.

Regarding the Yettinahole project, he said that an appropriate decision would be taken in due course of time. “The time is not yet ripe to make any claims or assurances,” he insisted.

He said that 32.7 % of the revenue targets of the state have been met. “Compared to last year, there has been an increase in revenue by Rs 1,300 crore so far, through commercial taxes, land revenue and motor vehicles registration and state GST,” he added.