Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (MS) 

Beltangady, Aug 18: Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, announced that Rs 25 crore will be transferred from the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Scheme to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund in order to help the members of families that are affected severely due to the recent flood that hit many districts of the state. 

Dr Heggade spoke to media persons on Saturday at Dharmasthala and said, "The districts of Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, Dharwad, Vijayapura, Bagalakote, Koppala, Gadag, Haveri, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga have witnessed widespread destruction, damage and loss of lives in the recent deluge. According to the survey of the activists of rural development scheme, 20,827 houses and agricultural land of 28,288 families have been completely destroyed in the flood. This is considered as a disaster of huge magnitude and a huge amount is needed as compensation. 

"So far, from rural development scheme, 19,000 bed sheets, two tonnes of bleaching powder and daily use items of Rs 1,000 worth each for 4,990 families, who are returning to their homes have been provided. Two loads of grass from Thirthahalli and three loads of grass from Holenarasipura are being procured for cattle of the taluk. 

"Relief like uniforms, school bags, clothes, vehicle arrangements and hostel-stays have been arranged for the students of flood-affected families, who are studying in the SDM group of educational institutions in the taluk of Beltangady. The students should contact the chief of their respective institutions. 

"A disaster management forum will be formed by choosing the members of sister concerns of the Rural Development Scheme like Janajagruthi Vedike, Pragatibandhu Okkotas, Jnanavikasa Kendras, self-help groups and joint liability groups for the emergency relief of natural disasters like flood and landslides. A team of 100 members will be formed in each taluk and they will be trained by the NDRF personnel and necessary equipment will be provided. This will be discussed with the NDRF and like-minded people and a decision will be taken soon. 

"Landslides have occurred at more than 500 spots of Western Ghats which is full of biodiversity. A study center on Western Ghats will be formed from Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala through the national level research center to study the natural balance of the Western Ghats with a grant of Rs two crore." 

Dr Heggade will hand over the cheque of Rs 25 crore to CM Yediyurappa on August 19 in person. Dr Heggade appealed the victims of deluge to use the compensation given in a proper manner. He also wished that the fear of deluge come down and prosperity prevail in the state. 

Regarding relief to the taluk of Beltangady, Dr Heggade said, "We have a report stating that 174 houses are damaged in the taluk and the reconstruction work, under the leadership of MLA Harish Poonja, has started. The district and taluk administration are working in an excellent manner. An amount of Rs 50 lac is being given to the Beltangady Flood Relief Fund for the benefit of the flood affected families." 

Dr Heggade handed over a cheque of Rs 50 lac to MLA of Beltangady Harish Poonja. The MLA offered his thanks for the generosity of Dr Heggade.