Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru  (EP)

Mangaluru, Sep 13: The state High Court has asked Mangaluru City Corporation(MCC) pay a compensation of Rs 32,84,453 to four farmers on account of crop failure. 

MCC had constructed a water purifying unit at Thumbay under Karnataka Urban Development and Coastal Environmental Management Project to supply drinking water to the citizens. The filter backwash from the unit was let through into a water body, which was consequently filled with silt. The water could not flow easily and the silt-filled filter backwash, percolated through their fertile land. Their crops were damaged following the release of backwash. 

Four farmers filed a writ petition in High Court seeking compensation for the loss of crops on their land.

The officials of revenue, agriculture and horticulture departments conducted a joint survey over the same and submitted a report to the Mangaluru and Bantwal assistant commissioners and the Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner.

The Revenue department officials held a meeting on August 10 and   finalized the compensation amount. The deputy commissioner, on the basis of the report and directions of the High Court, directed the MCC to bear the cost of compensation.

According to the survey report, farmer Dilip Rai, who had lost 800 areca nut and 59 coconut trees ought to be paid a compensation of Rs 22, 04,542. Sunder Poojary had lost 45 areca nut trees and 25 coconut trees and he will get Rs 3, 28,253. Saniva Poojary had lost 70 areca nut and 35 coconut trees and will be paid Rs 4, 80,539. Shekar Poojary had lost 40 Areca nut trees and 20 coconut trees and he will receive Rs 2, 71,119 as compensation.

The MCC in its meeting that was held on August 30 passed a resolution to disburse the compensation after completing the formalities. It also decided to collect the filter backwash in a sump or tank and make an alternate arrangement for the disposal of silt to prevent the problem from appearing again.