Bengaluru
Revenue Minister Mr R Ashoka has instructed the Deputy Commissioners to take immediate measures to help people affected by pre-monsoon showers. On Thursday, Mr Ashoka who is also the vice-chairman for the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority held a video conference meeting with Deputy Commissioners of Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu, Shivamogga and Davangere and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive officers of Hassan and Uttara Kannada asking them to take up immediate relief measures. (The ZP CEOs of two districts participated instead of DCs due to poll code of conduct).The Met department has sounded red alert in these districts. During the meeting, Mr Ashoka said, I have requested the district in charge ministers to conduct review meetings and take stock of rain related damages. In case of landslides or floods, the DCs have been instructed to visit the spot and provide all possible help immediately. The compensation should be disbursed within 48 hours in case of damage to homes or life. The control rooms should be re-activated along with reopening of relief centres. The DCs should visit the spots which are prone to landslides and convince the people to shift. A stand-by vehicle with all necessary aid and equipment should be kept ready in each of the districts. Around four NDRF teams will arrive in the state before the onset of monsoon and will be stationed at various places while the SDRF team is also ready to face any challenging situation. So far, 204 hectares of agricultural land and 431 hectares of horticultural crops along with 23 houses have been damaged due to pre-monsoon showers in the State. Around nine people have lost their lives as well in Karnataka.
