Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi(DC)
Udupi, Sep 7: Chief minister (CM) H D Kumaraswamy held meeting with district officials at Manipal on Friday and said that action will be taken against illegal sand mining and reasonable rates will be fixed.
Kumaraswamy presiding over the meeting on September 7, said, "As per the primary report under natural calamity, it is learnt that the heavy rains have caused Rs 141 crore loss in the Udupi district. We have already released Rs 14 crore already. Several bridges and roads have been damaged. We will compensate those affected by rain fury as per the NDRF guidelines. The PWD department report states that the heavy rains have caused loss up to Rs 23 crore and the damage of rural roads is estimated at around Rs 14 crore. Most affected regions such as Mangaluru, Udupi and Kodagu will be given priority."
"We have received 7,000 applications for ration cards. There is shortage of staff in the district and once the vacancies are filled, we will direct to issue cards as early as possible. We are planning to launch a multi-village drinking water project at the cost of Rs 70 crore. It will be launched within four years. We are also planning to provide water to Udupi district from Varahi River." he said.
"There is a demand for women's hostel since students all across the country visit the district. We will hold a discussion regarding the same. Houses for 11,000 Dalits will be constructed. Also all the BPL card holders are eligible for Arogya Shree health facility. Illegal sand mining will be curbed. Over 3600 houses in the district do not have electricity and soon we will take action in this regard,” he informed.
Regarding re-opening of Brahmavar sugar factory, he said, "Farmers in this region have stopped cultivating sugar. If they switch to sugar cultivation, the government is ready to re-open the factory,"
“Houses will be constructed for fishermen and also government will provide compensation to those fishermen who have lost their boats recently due to heavy rains. Tourism is flourishing in the district and it has provided jobs for women and youth. A report has been sought from a committee of scientists regarding damage to Western Ghats,” he said.
Kumaraswamy also said that he visited Krishna Math and prayed for the welfare of people of the state.
District-in-charge minister Dr Jayamala, JD(S) leader B M Farooq, opposition leader Kota Shrinivas Poojary, MLC Pratapchandra Shetty and MLC Bhoje Gowda were present.
While replying to media persons about former CM Siddaramaiah's foreign tour, he said, "He has not gone alone. Other leaders too have gone on tour. There is difference of opinion between us. Only media portrays us as enemies. The more you discuss, we will be stronger."
Large number of people gathered to meet the CM with their memorandums.
Shiroor Swamiji death case under investigation – CM Kumaraswamy
Responding to a query from media on the mysterious death of Shiroor Swamiji, he said that anything related to cases under investigation, cannot be made public as per Supreme Court orders. “The police department is looking into the issue. Investigation is progressing in a transparent manner. The truth will be out like in the murders of Gauri Lankesh and Kalburgi. All should wait patiently till then,” he said.