Madikere: Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has declared that residents living in high-risk areas must be forcibly relocated to safer zones to prevent disasters. During a press briefing in Kushalnagar on Wednesday, Gowda stated, “We are not here just to provide compensation after lives are lost. We are also here to save lives. All efforts must be made to save lives. The district administration must take some strict measures.”
The minister highlighted recent fatalities in the state due to natural disasters: “In the state, eight people have died from lightning strikes, six from trees falling, 14 from house collapses, 12 from drowning, and eight from landslides. We cannot tolerate loss of lives. Even if those living in vulnerable areas criticise us, it doesn’t matter. We will instruct all deputy commissioners to relocate them immediately and save their lives,” he said.
Gowda also emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures, saying, “If people go fishing or engage in fun when the river is in spate, they need to experience the law’s strictness. People should not forget that they also have the responsibility to protect their own lives. Therefore, some stringent measures will be implemented from now onwards.”
He referenced the recent Wayanad mishap as a warning sign, drawing parallels with a similar incident in Kodagu in 2018. “There are limitations for the patience of nature. We are inviting threats by conversion of land all over. People should not cross their limits. If all the governments fail to save nature, the future is in danger,” he warned.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has already identified landslide-prone areas in the state, and this information will be sent to respective deputy commissioners. Based on their proposals, precautionary measures will be implemented. The minister announced that Rs 100 crore would be utilized this year to take preventive measures against landslides, with an additional Rs 200 crore allocated for next year.
Addressing a separate query, Gowda remarked, “If the Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and H D Kumaraswamy attempt to misuse the Governor’s office to topple the state government, then we will approach the court.”