Karnataka CM Bommai to release Rs 5 bn for flood relief

The Karnataka government would immediately release Rs 5 billion to facilitate repair and restoration of roads, bridges, and power lines, and for other infrastructure work in the flood-hit areas of the state, based on the report received from the districts on the extent of losses, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said in Udupi this week. Addressing a media conference after chairing a meeting to review the rescue and relief work in the flood-affected districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada, Bommai said the situation would be reviewed again in August and the necessary funds released. Bommai added, “Officials of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), the district administration and the legislators are ready to take up relief work on a war footing. Last year, Rs 1,600 crore was paid within a month to compensate the farmers for a total loss of crop on 14 lakh hectares land. This year too, the compensation will be released immediately. “We will request for central assistance to take up relief works after getting reports on the extent of damage in the districts.” Mysuru, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Udupi and Karwar regions have received heavy rains in the month of July.See also: CM Gehlot demands national project status for East Rajasthan CanalSingle-use plastic ban drives demand for wood, bamboo