Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Aug 2: District in-charge minister, Dinesh Gundurao, visited flood-affected areas and low-lying regions along the Nethravathi River, including Ammunje, Goodinabali Aladka, Kelaginapete, Navoor, Aneja Thiruvu, and Ajilamogaru. He listened to the grievances of the affected residents.

Accompanying the minister were district commissioner Mullai Muhilan, assistant commissioner Harshavardhan, tahsildar Archana Bhat, and TPO Sachin Kumar, who provided additional information and support.

Speaking to the media, the minister said that relief efforts for the victims in Aladka, submerged by floods, are underway. He mentioned that the area where the victims reside is registered as Kumki land, and the matter is with the district commissioner. He has instructed the commissioner to resolve the land issue as soon as possible so that the government can provide assistance for house construction. He highlighted that this region has faced flooding six times this year alone.

The government has ordered financial assistance of Rs 1.25 lacs for those who lost their homes due to natural calamities. Additional government schemes will provide up to Rs 5 lacs for fully damaged homes. He also stated that partial damages would receive assistance ranging from Rs 6,500 to Rs 50,000.

Minister Gundurao noted that the previous government's relief scheme had several shortcomings, leading to misuse of government funds. "To prevent this, changes have been made. The government will now provide full assistance for home construction using both government and corporation grants," he added.

Aladka residents demand permanent solutions

During the minister's visit, residents of Aladka urged him to provide permanent solutions. They have been facing flood issues every year but have not yet received lasting relief. The affected families requested the identification of new land for house construction.

Former minister B Ramanath Rai, corporator Vinayraj, municipal council member Abubakkar Siddique Guddeyangadi, Bantwal block Congress president Balakrishna Anchan, and notable figures like Sudarshan Jain Panjikallu, Padmashekar Jain, and Mayilappa Salyan were present during the visit. Police inspectors Anantapadmanabh and Shivakumar, and revenue inspectors Vijay and Janardhan, along with various departmental officials, were also in attendance.