Belthangady: State home minister Basavaraj Bommai visited the Charmadi area on Thursday, October 24 and inspected the area that was devastated by the heavy downpour and floods on October 9.
Addressing the media after the inspection, he said, “I’ll see to it that a retaining wall is built across the rivers in the Charmadi area and help in constructing a bridge at Antara. As I’ve inspected the flood-hit areas, I have understood the impact of the flood. The sight of the river side has completely changed. Crops have been damaged. Vented dams have been affected. The government has already announced sanctions for flood relief. As much as Rs 38000 per hectare for crop damage and Rs 5 lakhs for the construction of houses have already been sanctioned.”
“Locals have put forth the demand to constructing a retaining wall across the river and a bridge. As per their request, I will immediately sanction funds to construct a retaining wall stretching up to 2 km and a big bridge,” he added.
Further, the minister said, “I’m inspecting all the matters that comes under my department. The officers have been successful in maintaining law and order in the district. Several reforms are required in order to provide a good administration in the coastal area. We will be emphasizing on the Coastal security Force and will extend all kind of support for it.”
Explaining about the flood relief activities he said, “The government is already looking into handling the flood situation. The relief funds will be sanctioned as per the requirement based on the geographical conditions. We will also take an expert’s advice. In coming days the government will implement a water conservation programme and see to it that the Western Ghats are protected. We need to carry out developmental projects without harming the eco-sensitive areas.”
MLA Harish Poonja said, “The concerned department has already permitted farmers to clear the sand accumulated in their agricultural fields. The silt on the river bed will be cleared during the construction of the retaining wall. For all this work to begin, the rains must come to a halt.”
Speaking about controlling the movement of toxic elements across the state borders, Bommai said, “I’ve directed the Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police regarding the control of toxic elements entering into the state. The SP is already preparing a blueprint to provide a people-friendly night beat police service.”
Charmadi Gram Panchayat president Shailaja, IGP Western Range Arun Chakravarthy, SP Lakshmi Prasad, Tahsildar Ganapathy Shastri and others were present.
