Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Jun 7: "As per the National Disaster Management Authority Act of 2005, under which a district disaster management authority was formed, the deputy commissioner (DC) has the power to seek help from the coast guard and the coastal security force to combat any emergency caused by rains," said Amarnarayana, secretary to the revenue department, in-charge of disaster management while briefing the media at a meeting held at DC’s office here on Thursday June 7.
He said that in case of any emergency in the sea when fishermen or their boats are trapped mid-way, the DC has the authority to ask the help of coast guard, and coast guard personnel need not wait for orders from higher authorities. In an upcoming project, plans have been chalked out to avail satellite phones for fishermen, he said.
Detailing the preparation being made to combat flood situation and other forms of rain disasters, he said the government has released Rs 36 crore for three districts namely Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttar Kannada. "The amount gas been released in the ratio of 75:25 by the center and state government respectively. Compared to Odisha, Karnataka stands second in terms of being prone to rain disaster. In Karnataka, state natural disaster monitoring centers are functioning and will issue warning regarding any calamity through the media," he said.
"In the district a toll free number (1077) will function round the clock. A team has been formed under the leadership of tahsildar to ensure immediate relief for the victims of crop destruction, loss of life or any damage to property caused by the rain. Shelter homes have been set up in the district," he said.
"Steps have also been taken to face any emergency situation in Honnavar in Uttar Karnataka which is highly prone to risk of floods as four rivers flow in the taluk, followed by Kumta and Ankola regions," he said.
MLC election: DC Dr N S Channappa Gowda speaking on the upcoming MLC election for Karnataka Southwest teachers' and graduates' constituencies said that there are 20 polling stations for 11,859 voters in graduates constituency and 14 polling stations for 4,902 voters for teachers' constituency.