Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Aug 3: MLA Vedavyas Kamath demanded that the state government release a Rs 300 crore special package to Dakshina Kannada (DK), as heavy rains have caused severe damage in the district.
Addressing media on Saturday August 3, he said, “Dakshina Kannada has experienced heavy downpours, leading to house damage, waterlogging, compound collapses, and loss of lives. The chief minister had announced Rs 1.20 lac for complete house damage under the national disaster management fund and Rs 50,000 for minimal house damage, but no funds have been announced for flood water entering and damaging houses.”
The district in-charge minister promised additional funds, but Kamath questioned the timeline for the provision and distribution of these funds to flood-affected victims.
The MLA recalled that soon after B S Yediyurappa became chief minister, even before the cabinet formation, he conducted an aerial survey of the entire state and announced Rs 5 lac for complete house damage, Rs 2.5 lac for minimal damage, and Rs 10,000 for houses affected by floods.
“When R Ashoka was the revenue minister, he released funds from the state government without waiting for central government approval,” said Kamath.
The MLA urged the release of NDRF funds as the government has turned bankrupt. He criticized chief minister Siddaramaiah for not visiting the district and being preoccupied with the MUDA scam, claiming that the government is not providing any compensation for the rain damage, thus doing an injustice to the people.
He also noted that the district in-charge minister visited the district, conducted a survey, and left. Although chief minister Siddaramaiah held a meeting at zilla panchayat last year and MLAs raised several issues, no action has been taken. Kamath cited multiple examples to show where the state government has completely failed.
Kamath also criticized the state government's failure to tackle dengue, pointing out that their leaders are unaware of the dengue cases in the district, which indicates irresponsible administration.
“After Mysuru padayatra, all MLAs will agitate against the state government and demand the release of funds to Dakshina Kannada,” he said.