Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has called on district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to promptly release compensation for the losses incurred due to recent rains in the district. During his visit to landslide-prone areas, including Kethikal and other affected regions, Chowta emphasized the urgent need for financial aid.
Addressing reporters, Chowta highlighted the severe impact of the rains on several areas, including Gurupura near Mangaluru. He urged the Dakshina Kannada district administration to conduct a thorough study of the damages and submit a comprehensive report to the state government. “A mere inspection by the district minister is insufficient. Initiatives to release compensation must be taken immediately,” he insisted.
Chowta criticized the minister’s tendency to blame the Centre for delays in National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) grants, stating that the state government should proactively submit proposals for these grants. He pointed out that during the BJP’s tenure in the state, compensation was released without waiting for NDRF funds, urging the current Congress government to follow suit.
Furthermore, Chowta called for an immediate meeting of all relevant departments to discuss and implement precautionary measures. He stressed the importance of seeking expert advice from NITK Surathkal on preventing landslides in the district.
Mangaluru Mayor Sudeer Shetty Kannur, Additional Deputy Commissioner Santhosh Kumar G, and NHAI Project Director Abdulla Javed Azmi were among those present during the visit.