Udupi: Will Solve Problems Affecting Coastal Region - Eshwarappa

Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SM)

Udupi, Sep 1: Deputy chief minister and president of state BJP Eshwarappa on Saturday September 1 said that the state government will do everything in its power to solve the problems affecting the coastal region, especially persistent issues like sea erosion and damage caused due to rains.

Presiding over a review meeting during his visit to the district, Eshwarappa gave a patient listening to the problems listed out by the district officials.

One of the main issues discussed during the meeting was that of the extent of damage caused by heavy rains in the district over the past month. DC Dr Reju informed that a compensation of Rs 1.5 lac had been given to each of the victim's kin. "Altogether, kin of eight people who lost their lives were given a total compensation of Rs 12 lac, while kin of four of the 18 others who died were also given agricultural aid as their death was not caused directly by rains. The families of the remaining 14 victims are awaiting compensation, the funds for which are awaited from the state or central government," Dr Reju said.

In reply, Eshwarappa said that the district administration should not wait for the state or the centre to disburse compensation, but make arrangements from its own treasury. "Compensation should be given without delay. There is no point in giving it a month after the person's death. The district administration can reimburse the money from the state government later," he said.

On the issue of dangers posed by percolation ponds especially to children, MP Jayaprakash Hegde who was also present said that the DC should take immediate measures to fence such ponds or put up signs and create door-to-door awareness, so that innocent lives are not lost.

Karkala MLA Gopal Bhandary said that while compensation is readily given for people and animals that die to rains, there is no provision for the same for cow shelters that get damaged due to lightning or heavy showers. "Such a provision should be made at the state level so that those whose cow shelters are damaged in rains can claim compensation for the same," he said.

MLA Raghupati Bhat raised the issue of housing aid and said that the process of claiming compensation should be made simpler. One requires permission from the revenue and the PWD departments to claim compensation of Rs 35,000 for damage to one's house due to rains. "First the revenue officials inspect the house, and again the same is done by the PWD officials. All this leads to undue delay in getting compensation, and hence the process should be made such that only the revenue officials inspect and not the PWD," he said.

On the issue of drinking water facilities, Dr Reju said that Udupi had suffered last time and water had to be given to each house through tankers. As the district has received good rainfall this year, there should not be a problem with drinking water, he said, adding, "We are already preparing for next year, and there are plans to take up drinking water projects and dig borewells at a cost of Rs 34 crore so that the citizens do not face any problem."

J P Hegde who also spoke on the problem of salt content in the water in the district said that salinity could be tackled with the implementation of the Paschima Vahini project which envisages harnessing of 22 west-flowing rivers and construction of dams to eliminate drinking water problems. "If the project is implemented, salt water will not mix with potable water, and the problem will be solved," Hegde said.

In reply, Eshwarappa asked the DC and the MP to visit Bangalore and discuss the issue with the government to seek a solution.

On sea erosion, DC Dr Reju said that he is entitled to give only limited aid and full compensation will amount to Rs 50 crore, which the district administration cannot afford. When he appealed for government's help in this regard, Eshwarappa again asked him to hold discussions in Bangalore.

Rural development was another topic that garnered much attention. Arguments were made in favour of giving title deeds to those who had occupied a piece of land for a specific number of years. Concerns were also raised on those who are not able to get title deeds for their land which were wrongly demarcated as deep forest by forest officials in 2005. A decision was taken to file an affidavit with the Supreme Court to seek a solution.

For most issues raised during the meeting, Eshwarappa asked the officials to discuss their concerns with the government in Bangalore. He assured that the government will work for the development of Udupi. He also asked the DC to furnish a report on the review meet discussions next week.

Health card distribution

Earlier in the day, Eshwarappa inaugurated the Manipal Arogya card distribution programme which was jointly organized by G Shankar Family Trust, Mogaveera Sangha and Manipal University.

Eshwarappa lauded Trust chairman G Shankar for his social service and said the his Trust has been working hard for the welfare of the poor. "The Trust is doing government's work by educating the poor and given them health aid," he said.

"Everyone earns money but we think only of our family, but G Shankar thinks of public welfare," he said, adding that though he had invited Shankar to join BJP, the latter had refused as he wanted to be with the people.

"Arogya cards have been distributed to 15,000 families, but I pray that they are never used. The cards should be an encouragement to the people to keep themselves fit - they should see the card and resolve never to use it, and this they can do with practising yoga, exercise and good food habits."

Addressing the gathering, G Shankar said that is the government was ready to give Rs 5,000 to the poor, his own Trust would be ready to contribute Rs 50,000. He appealed to the government to work for the poor without considering party politics.

He also urged the provision of title deeds and permission to construct houses to those who have been occupying land for a long time. Eshwarappa assured that he would discuss the matter with the governor.

As many as 15,000 cards will be distributed to 75,000 beneficiaries under this scheme.

H S Ballal of Manipal University, Jaya C Kotian and president of Mogaveera Yuva Sangha were felicitated for their contribution to the society.

Kota Srinivas Poojary symbolically distributed the health cards to some of the beneficiaries.

MP Jayaprakash Hegde, Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon, Karkala MLA Gopal Bhandary, former Udupi MLA Sabhapati, industrialist Pramod Madhwaraj, and MLA Raghupati Bhat were present.