Separate authority for reconstruction of Kodagu

District In-charge Minister Sa Ra Mahesh said Kodagu Reconstruction Authority will come into existence to provide houses to the flood victims of Kodagu.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the construction of a school building meant for the flood-affected children on Friday, on the premises of Government High School, Makkandur, at a cost of Rs 40 lakh. The building work is being sponsored by America Kannada Kootagala Agara (AKKA).

The minister said that the construction of houses for the flood victims will begin soon and 110 acres of land has been identified for the rehabilitation of flood victims. "Two BHK houses will be constructed and each house will cost Rs 8.50 lakh. Along with the house, a monitory assistance of Rs 1 lakh will be provided from National Disaster Relief Fund. The government is committed to provide basic facilities by converting the rehabilitation site into a residential layout," he said.

On the occasion, MLA M P Appachu Ranjan said that there is no truth in the analysis which says the floods and massive landslides occurred due to deforestation alone. The number of trees has increased in Kodagu. There are around 400 trees in one acre of coffee plantation, he said.

AKKA president Shivamurthy Kilara said that the association has been constructing the new building for the flood affected students and the work will be complete by four months.

Zilla Panchayat president B A Harish, member Yaladalu Padmavati and Gram Panchayat president Kaveramma were present.

'Bolakkatt', 'Kattiyatt' and 'Kolata' dances were performed on the occasion.