Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Sep 7: Stressing on the need to develop monsoon affected coastal region on utmost priority, chief minister HD Kumaraswamy told media that he has given deputy commissioner of the region the full liberty to distribute Rs 25 crore, after assessing damages.
Addressing media in Mangaluru on Friday, September 7, H D Kumaraswamy said, “Today, I visited both Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts and discussed about the damages that occurred during the recent rainfall. Several issues pertaining to crop damages especially areca nut and damages that occurred during rains was brought to my notice during the meeting. Coastal region has witnessed heavy rainfall nearly measuring up to 4,240 mm this monsoon. The rains became a nightmare for twin districts which caused serious damage to infrastructure, houses and bridges.
“Police department and district administration have acted on the tip-off and responded immediately as per the directions given and have done good work. The district administration has already compensated after assessing damages that occurred during monsoon. Government has come forward to help out people during this emergency situation and compensated funds to the needy.
“During the meeting, the damage to the areca nut crops of the region was brought to my notice. Out of 38,000 hectare, nearly 19,000 hectare areca nut fields are completely damaged. Even the problems faced by rubber plantation owners were brought to my notice,” he acknowledged.
Issues related to food and civil supplies, primary health care, social department, deemed forest and 94c were also discussed during the meeting.
Speaking on the sand issue, the CM assured to conduct a meeting in Bengaluru and make it easy for people to acquire sand for various purposes.
The CM has directed the deputy commissioner to submit a report on the situation of endosulfan patients as he hopes to find a permanent solution to their problems.
During the meeting, problems faced by Wenlock Hospital and requirement of additional ICU unit were discussed. “I came to know that several people did not get health cards from Karnataka health card scheme, so I have directed to give treatment for the patients who show BPL card or any identification card,” he said.
Kumaraswamy the directed police department to take stringent action and curb drug abuse in the region. “In order to maintain peace in this region, police should take concrete steps as several festivals are arriving. Even there is demand of private bus bay, truck terminal, over bridge at Tannirbhavi which will be considered. Around 38 acres of land has been already identified for the extension of the airport runway. There is a proposal to construct Bayalu Ranga Mandira. Mangaluru will be a good place for economy growth in the state next to Bengaluru, if peace in the region is maintained,” he opined.
Taking a dig at BJP, he said, “We have waived loans of farmers but there is no proper response from the BJP over their decision in fiscal responsibility act and they have no answers for hiking petrol and diesel price.”
Udupi district in-charge minister Dr Jayamala, DK deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil, police commissioner T R Suresh and others were present.