From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 17: Congress Opposition Leader in the State Assembly Siddaramaiah, who had visited the flood affected districts of Uttara Kannada, Bagalkote, Belagavi and Gadag, has urged Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to immediately release the compensation to flood victims.

The heavy rainfall between July 22 and 26 has severely affected the livelihoods of the people in the region. They have no shelter, food or other basic facilities.The government has to immediately focus on the healthcare needs of the people and also provide nutritious food.

Standing crops and fodder have been washed away or spoilt due to flooded water due to heavy rainfall. The farmers in the region are facing the same issue since last 3 years.

``The flood victims who were affected during 2019 and 2020 floods are yet to be compensated. Homeless are yet to get the houses allotted to them. Villages on the banks of the rivers are yet to be relocated,’’ Siddaramaiah said.

He pointed out that previous Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had promised to provide relief to those who had lost homes in 2019. ``It turned out to be a big lie,’’ the Congress leader said.

``Victims who moved to rented houses were promised to be reimbursed at Rs 10,000 per month. But even that turned out to be a lie,’’ the former Chief Minister said and mentioned that the flood victims are washing their hands with tears and are angry with the officers. Victims have shared their hardships and it is very sad to see their plight,’’ Siddaramaiah said.

The Congress leader said: ``I strongly demand to compensate all the victims of floods in 2019, 2020 and 2021. All the damaged roads, bridges, hospitals, government offices, PHCs, Anganawadis should be immediately repaired or reconstructed. The State Government should demand the rightful share of compensation from the Union Government and ensure justice to Kannadigas,’’ he added.