Amidst criticism from Opposition parties over the lack of adequate response from the state government for floods in parts of the state, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that all ministers will be directed to tour flood-hit districts.
He said that the present flood compensation scheme would continue and those whose houses were completely damaged would receive Rs five lakh. “A sum of Rs 10,000 will be provided to houses where floodwaters entered,” he said.
Responding to media queries, Bommai dismissed criticism by Opposition parties regarding flood relief. “Several ministers are camping in districts affected by floods. All other ministers will visit these districts in the coming days,” he said.
The rainfall was unseasonal. Wherever rain has stopped, officials have carried out eye-sight surveys to gauge the extent of damages. Details of crop loss and other damages are being uploaded to the Parihara portal, the CM told reporters.
He said that review of flood-hit districts by ministers was affected by the model code of conduct in place for Legislative Council polls scheduled for December 10. “Getting permission from Election Commission is essential. Yesterday, I have spoken to the Election Commission to permit surveys and meetings wherever required. The chief secretary will also write to EC.”
Bommai said that the present flood relief scheme would continue. A compensation of Rs three lakh will be paid for partial damages to houses while Rs 50,000 would be paid to houses with minor damages.
Due to floods in July, August and September, farmland belonging to three lakh farmers were affected. Though relief was released, Rs 130 cr was pending. “The government issued an order on Friday to release the funds via direct benefit transfer,” Bommai said.
According to sources, in a meeting chaired by the chief minister on Sunday evening, officials were directed to speed up crop loss survey and take up relief activities on a war-footing.
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