Bommai asks officials to ensure relief work in rain-hit districts

HOSPET: In the wake of unprecedented rain in the state, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai asked the deputy commissioners to be vigilant and visit rain-hit areas to ensure that relief work was undertaken without any impediment.

In a video conference with the deputy commissioners of rain-hit districts, the CM said it has come to his notice that there have been lapses in some places while recording damages.

“The DCs must take lead to avoid any lapses. The proposal seeking relief must be based on ground reality. Action must be initiated against the staff who show dereliction of duty. The commissioner of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) must issue a circular to issue additional relief than NDRF guidelines for rain damages. The DCs must hold spot visits without fail and issue proper instructions to Tahsildars in recording damages as well as in the distribution of compensation,” the CM said.

Bommai said input subsidy must be disbursed on priority, and the relief for rain-related damages during October must be disbursed within this month after holding a joint survey immediately.

“The damage to infrastructure must be classified depending upon the extent of the damage. A-category means the works that need to be reconstructed, B-category-the works that require additional assistance from the government and C-Category-repairs to be taken up as per NDRF guidelines, must be identified, and submit proposals accordingly. All preventive measures must be taken to check the breach of tanks. If tanks are weak, precautions must be taken after taking into account water pressure and other minute details. The construction of bridges must be prioritized and taken up its reconstruction accordingly. However, the broken electricity poles and transformers must be repaired within 24 hours and restore the power supply,” he said.

Bommai said preventive measures must be taken to check flash floods due to unprecedented rains in several districts. He assured that there is no dearth of funds to distribute the compensation for house and crop damage.

“However, regarding damage to infrastructure, an action plan must be prepared to seek funds and initiate work accordingly. On damage to infrastructure, another round of meetings will be held after three days and discuss issues,” he added.

According to the data provided by the government, the North east monsoon since October 1 has resulted in the death of 13 people, 28 livestock. As many as 3,309 houses and 6,279 hectare crops have been damaged.

In the Kharif season, out of the total 9,90,957 hectares, crop damage has been reported in 6,16,138 hectares and Rs 947.8 crore relief was distributed to 8.83 lakh farmers. In two days, another two lakh farmers will be distributed Rs 250 crore input subsidy. From June 1 to September 30,  48,485 houses were damaged, and relief has been paid to 42,661 houses.