Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 10: "Due to floods, Karnataka has suffered an estimated Rs 8,071 crore loss by way of damages. As per the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) rules, the state is eligible only for Rs 628.7 crore compensation. This is grossly insufficient. We therefore, have urged the central flood study team to release more amounts," explained revenue minister R Ashok.

He also said that an integrated flood forecasting and response system needs to be put in place to regulate loss due to floods in Krishna catchment areas for giving advance intimation of flood and take remedial steps. "As Western Ghats are experiencing landslides, a system of mapping and quick warning should be established there under the National Disaster Regulation Programme. We have made these demands to the central team on behalf of the state government," he said.

Ashok was speaking to the media persons after holding meeting with the central team which undertook flood situation study in different parts of the state, at Vikasa Soudha here on Wednesday September 9.

"The state had received heavy rain from August 4 to 8 and 15 to 18. As many as 130 taluks from 23 districts were declared as flood hit. Three teams led by joint secretary of central home ministry, K V Pratap, undertook visit to different districts and studied losses. Our officials supported them and provided flood damage photos. The teams undertook 200 to 300, travel and spent over an hour at each place," he stated.

Ashok said that the state is providing Rs five lac each for total loss of houses, Rs three lac for partial loss and Rs 50,000 for minor loss. Therefore, he said, the state needs higher amount of grant than what is eligible as per rules. He said that agricultural crops, horticultural crops, plantation crops, houses, roads, bridges, ponds and government buildings were among those which were either destroyed or partially damaged.