Permanent Housing Still a Distant Dream for Flood-Hit Families in Haveri

HAVERI:

Nearly five years after the devastating floods of 2019-20, over 900 families in Haveri district continue to live in temporary shelters, awaiting permanent housing promised by the government. Despite an initial pledge of ₹5 lakh per household for fully damaged homes under the BJP-led flood relief initiative, most families have only received partial payments.

Under the leadership of then Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation was tasked with disbursing funds in stages. However, after the initial ₹1.2 lakh installment was issued, the system abruptly halted. Of the 992 damaged homes with verified applications, most remain uncompleted. An additional 800 houses were damaged during the 2022-23 floods, worsening the crisis.

Repeated appeals from the Deputy Commissioner to the Housing Corporation for restoring the scheme, including detailed inspection reports of 157 houses, have gone unanswered. On September 30, 2024, the DC formally requested the resumption of relief funds. Yet, by October 5, authorities advised flood victims to apply under the Devaraj Urs Housing Scheme, which also failed to provide clarity or support.

In the absence of state intervention, families are struggling. “We partially rebuilt our house for the relief survey, as instructed by gram panchayat officials. But the funds were never released. We're living in a shed now,” said Kallaveeragouda Patil of Handiganur village.

Gram panchayat member Ravi Patil criticized the restriction of house reconstruction to four months, calling it unfair. “Many victims remain without housing. Authorities must release pending aid immediately,” he stressed.

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“We have corresponded with the government and are awaiting further instructions. Action will be taken accordingly,” said Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar, Deputy Commissioner.