Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Aug 2: Dakshina Kannada district incharge, Dinesh Gundurao, discussed flood compensation and emphasized the need for heightened vigilance regarding upcoming rains.

Addressing the media at the Circuit House in Mangaluru, Gundurao detailed the current impact of the rains: "Since January, we have received 3,009mm of rainfall. This has resulted in 11 deaths, 9 injuries, and damage to 448 houses, of which 154 have been severely affected. Crop loss has been minimal, but 6,366 electric poles have fallen, 75 transformers need replacement, 28 bridges have been damaged, and 51 km of PWS roads are impaired. The Netravati River has reached 8.5 meters in Bantwal and 28.8 meters in Uppinangady. We have established 6 relief camps."

Compensation details were also provided: "Houses that are damaged will receive Rs 1.2 lac, with an additional Rs 1.5 lac for rebuilding, totaling Rs 2.4-2.7 lac including loan components. Unauthorized houses will receive Rs 1 lac. Flood-affected individuals will receive Rs 5,000. For refurbishing Anganwadis, Rs 37.5 lac has been sanctioned, and Rs 20 crore has been allocated for refurbishing schools. Mescom has faced damages worth Rs 10.14 crore and requires many repairs. We are committed to allocating grants as per the district administration’s estimates."

Gundurao further mentioned visits to various affected areas: "In Adyapady, some residents are unhappy with a small dam’s construction. We will address these issues technically. At Kettikallu, we agreed to an investigation under the deputy commissioner's chairmanship to understand how the Mines and Geology department granted permissions for mud extraction. The NHAI Shiroor team will assess the issue, and we are planning temporary arrangements. Mescom and other departments are taking necessary measures, and we are ensuring grant provisions. The rain is expected to increase over the next two months."

Regarding landslides in Puttur and Sullia, Gundurao commented: "I have seen drone images, and 31 people have been relocated, with many moving to relatives' homes. Incidents like Wayanad's can happen anywhere due to development, particularly in the Western Ghats. The Yettinahole project causing landslides is problematic due to development practices. Planting rubber and areca trees has degraded the land, and drastic measures like banning these plantations are risky. Building houses by destroying hills will cause future problems. Although the government cannot restrict house construction, retaining walls should be arranged by homeowners."

District commissioner Mullai Muhilan addressed relocation issues: "We are working on relocating families affected since 2020."

Mescom MD Padmavati, district commissioner Mullai Muhilan, and other officials were present during the briefing.