During his inspection of rain-affected areas in Kodagu district, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced compensation measures and hinted at a special package for the district. He assured that precautionary measures will be taken to prevent future damages. The district’s Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) account holds Rs 43 crore, part of a state total of Rs 776 crore for natural disaster management.
Siddaramaiah highlighted that despite heavy rainfall in July, no lives were lost. However, 67 houses were completely damaged and 176 were partially damaged. Fully damaged houses will receive Rs 1.20 lakh and reconstruction assistance, while partially damaged houses will get Rs 50,000. The CM criticized the previous BJP government for only providing one installment of the announced compensation.
In agricultural losses, 28 hectares of land were damaged, prompting a joint survey by the revenue department and coffee board to assess coffee crop losses. The district saw 2,708 electric poles damaged, with 2,558 replaced, and 47 transformers repaired. Additionally, 344 km of roads belonging to PWD and Zilla Panchayat were damaged, with restoration set to resume post-rains.
Regarding the Shiradi Ghat, Siddaramaiah mentioned that decisions will follow consultations with the Geological Survey of India and an inspection. He also addressed the non-payment of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, stating that the June payments are being processed.
Accompanied by district in-charge minister N S Bosaraju, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, and others, Siddaramaiah visited Madapattana village in Kushalnagar, consoling affected residents and promising compensation. He also spoke to Kavitha, mother of Rohith, a class four student who died in the Wayanad disaster, assuring her of compensation.
Lastly, Siddaramaiah urged officials to complete the DC office recliner wall in Madikeri by December, expressing his frustration over the delay to the Chief Engineer of PWD.