NDRF teams to arrive by May-end, says officer

Revenue Department Principal Secretary Dr Rajkumar Khatri said a battalion of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will arrive by the end of May to tackle natural calamities during monsoon in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

Speaking at a meeting convened to discuss natural calamity and water crisis in three coastal districts, in the city on Monday, Khatri said NDRF South Zone office is situated at Guntoor in Andhra Pradesh.

Surathkal

“There is a delay in NDRF reaching the natural calamity-hit areas in cases of emergency. Hence, the state government has given permission to deploy NDRF teams in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts before the onset of monsoon. The NDRF team will be stationed at Surathkal to benefit both Udupi and Dakshina Kannada,” he added.

National Natural Calamity Management Authority Director Rajkumar Poojary said, “The work on a multipurpose shelter to be used during a natural calamity is in progress at Ombathukere in Ullal at an estimated cost of Rs 2.7 crore. In addition, a community hall is also being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 3.8 crore at Hosabettu in Surathkal, to be used during natural calamity to provide shelter to the victims”.

Deputy Commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati said, “New Hoblis have to be
created for better administration. The newly announced four taluks in the district should be provided basic facilities.”

Khatri said basic facilities will be provided to the newly-formed taluks.

ADC Vidyakumari and others were present.