2 lakh houses for flood victims, says CM

One lakh such houses will be built with the assistance of religious institutions, social organisations and business enterprises. The construction will be completed within an year.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, at a press meet here on Monday said that Art of Living Foundation, Kalyani Industries, Jindal group, JSS mutt have come forward to build 5,000 houses each while Sri Manjunatha Trust of Dharmasthala has volunteered to build 10,000 houses for the victims. The cooperation of software companies, religious and educational institutions will be sought for the task.

Help from other states

Disclosing that the government would seek help from other states also to tackle the flood situation, the CM reiterated his appeal for Rs 10,000 crore central assistance. He expressed satisfaction over the assistance extended by the Union government to tide over the crisis.

The threat of epidemic outbreak looms large in the flood-affected areas and hence doctors, both private and government, should come forward for assistance.
“A padayatra will be taken out in Bangalore on October 7 to raise funds for relief works. Similar padayatra will be held in major cities of the State. Relief works have to be taken up on a large-scale and public contribution is essential,” the CM said, urging people to donate generously.

He also requested that contributions be made in form of cheques and DDs only and not in cash, with a view to prevent misappropriation.

Speaking to reporters at Koppal after inspecting the collapsed Hirehalla bridge, the CM said that the villages facing the threat of submersion will be identified and shifted on priority basis, after completion of the rescue and relief works. The deputy commissioner has been directed to complete relief works within 12 days, he said.

Meanwhile, Home Minister V S Acharya told reporters in Bangalore that the government will adopt the technology used to rehabilitate the people affected by tsunami in Tamil Nadu. “I have already spoken to the officials concerned in TN. The pre-fabricated houses constructed there cost Rs one lakh each,” he said.

The minister revealed that Indian Medical Association, Bangalore, has agreed to provide free medical treatments at relief camps and staff of all private hospitals have decided to contribute their one day salary to the CM’s relief fund.


Loss of life and property