Miffed B S Yediyurappa returns to Bengaluru as flood-hit people protest

Hubballi: Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa cut short his visit  to the flood- hit areas of Belagavi on Tuesday and hurried back to Bengaluru after the people there laid siege to his car in anger at the alleged neglect of  five-year-old, Abdulsab Mullanavar, who died of a fever at a relief camp for flood victims  at the APMC godown  Monday night.

The Chief Minister handed over  Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the family of the little boy and deputy commissioner, S B Bommanahalli  ordered an inquiry into his death through the district health officer and promised action against any officials found guilty of negligence. But with the protestors not in a mood to be pacified, Mr Yediyurappa cancelled his review meeting with the officials concerned and visited only the flood-hit village of Sureban village in Ramdurg taluk before returning to Bengaluru.

Earlier, speaking to reporters in Belagavi, he said the state government had given  priority to rehabilitation of the flood victims and the deputy commissioner had been told to pay Rs 1 lakh compensation within a week to those who had started rebuilding their houses.  Temporary sheds were also built for them where necessary, he added. “The plight of the people is unimaginable. We will provide compensation for the loss of property and crops even if we have to withhold other development work in the state. Temporary compensation of Rs 10,000 has already been disbursed to the 1.10 lakh flood-affected families,” the Chief Minister said.

Addressing  flood victims after visiting Hampiholi village in Ramdurg taluk, he assured that his government was committed to shifting flood-torn villages to safer ground if the people gave their written consent. He later directed officials to prepare an estimation for construction of  a protection wall along the banks of the Malaprabha river to prevent its water from entering villages in future.

Meanwhile, with all rivers in Belagavi and Bagalkote districts in spate due to heavy rains in Maharashtra, there has been fresh floods in these parts.