Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, May 10: District in-charge minister Dr Jayamala, on behalf of the state government, announced Rs 10 lac each for the families of ‘Suvarna Tribhuja’ boat which had been missing since December 15 last year. On May 3, the Indian Navy said that that remnants of 'Suvarna Tribhuja' fishing boat that had left for undertaking fishing activity from Malpe were found near Malvan in Maharashtra by the personnel of the Navy's warship, 'INS Nireekshak' and expert divers on May 1.

Earlier the chief minister had announced an amount of Rs 1 lac each to the families of the affected fishermen.

Dr Jayamala, who was in city to hold a meeting with deputy commissioner and other concerned officials regarding the shortage of drinking water in the area, spoke to media after the meeting.

She informed that the water is sufficient only for next twenty days if it does not rain before that. She said the water is presently dispatched to 126 places in 141 water tankers. She also said that Rs 33 crore is available with the deputy commissioner to address drought related issues in the district.

Speaking about BJP's criticism of chief minister and his family members going to a resort for health reasons during drought, she said the chief minister’s family has the right to maintain the health of its members.

"Everyone has right to dream": Jayamala on Yeddyurappa

Speaking to reporters at Hotel Ocean Pearl in Udupi, Dr Jayamala said that she has discussed various issues with the deputy commissioner of Udupi.

"Certain parts of Karkala and Kundapur are affected by drought. I instructed officials to work on maintaining private borewells, dredging of open ponds, and recharging well water. The current water level in Swarna River is enough for 15 to 20 days. I have discussed about tackling the water shortage in a meeting with the officials. There are 400 ponds in the district which need to be recharged during monsoon. There is need to work on saving water more aggressively," she said.

"I have directed officials to remove illegal pump set connections in the river," she added.

Answering queries on central government relief fund for the families of fishermen who died in the Suvarna Tribhuja boat tragedy, she said recommendations have already been sent by the state government to the centre. "Let them fulfill the recommendations," she said and added the state government fund will be deposited directly to the bank accounts of the fishermen’s families.

"Chief Minister is aware of problems facing the public. We have never done any injustice to people who have voted for us. If CM's family members stay in resort, it does not mean that they are enjoying," she said in reply to a question on the CM's resort stay.

Jayamala took a dig at Karnataka BJP president Yeddyurappa for his statement that BJP will get 20-plus seat and he will become chief minister. "Everyone has the right to dream in democracy. So let him dream," she said.

She declined to comment on other issues. "I took permission to speak on just two topics," she stressed while dismissing other queries.