Govt for all-round development of Udupi district: CM

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said that the coalition government, led by JD(S) and Congress, will work for the all-round development of Udupi district by implementing the development works on a priority basis.

Speaking to reporters after a review meeting at the DC's Office on Friday, the chief minister said the review meeting was held to focus on various issues, including the natural calamities that took place following incessant rain and flood in the region.

He said the roads coming under Public Works and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Departments have been damaged following the rain. Several footbridges require immediate attention. The district administration has submitted a report that rain has caused a loss of Rs 171 crore in the district, he said.

Kumaraswamy said District In-charge Minister Jayamala has already submitted a Rs 75 crore damage compensation proposal and Rs 14 crore has been released.

He said he has also discussed the issue with the people's representatives of the district. Their opinion is also being considered while releasing the compensation, he added.

“I will hold talks with the Finance Department officials after returning to Bengaluru to ensure the release of maximum funds to the district. At the outset, at least Rs 70 crore to 100 crore amount will be released," he noted.

He said there are certain obstacles in the distribution of LPG cylinders to the poor and instructions have been given to supply kerosene to those people who have not received LPG cylinders.

He said 7,000 applications have been received for fresh ration cards so far. The work is slow and the DC has given powers to appoint additional staff to accelerate the work on ration cards, he said.

Kumaraswamy said at least Rs 23 crore will be required to repair the PWD roads. The work will be considered on priority. The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department is also in need of at least Rs 1 crore to repair the roads and footbridges. The department has been told to immediately take up the work as schoolchildren use the roads and footbridges to go to school, he added.

Kumaraswamy said talks are held with the Central government to simplify the guidelines under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme so that the work is not stopped owing to the complications in social auditing.

Emphasising on the multi-village drinking water scheme, he said that elaborate plans have been chalked out to ensure continuous water supply to the people in the district. A detailed project of Rs 60,000 crore to 70,000 crore has been prepared to make sure the supply of drinking water for every village and every family. Varahi drinking water project is being worked out. The technical problems that surfaced in the project proposal will be sorted out, he assured.