As Karnataka Reels Under Heaviest May Rainfall In 125 Years, CM Siddaramaiah Orders Swift Aid For People

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah reported record May rainfall across 28 districts, urging officials to immediately assess damage and distribute compensation from the SDRF funds.

File Photo of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

Source : PTI

Bengaluru, May 30 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said, for the first time in the last 125 years, the state has recorded the highest rainfall in the month of May, and 28 districts have received more than usual rainfall.

Addressing the review meeting with Deputy Commissioners of all districts and CEOs of all Zilla Panchayats, he asked them to visit the rain-damaged areas immediately and provide necessary compensation to those affected.

"There is no shortage of funds to provide compensation for rain damage. More than Rs 1,000 crore is available under SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) in the districts," the CM was quoted as telling officers, by his office in a release.

Guidelines have already been issued for providing compensation if houses are damaged due to heavy rain. "Immediate compensation should be provided," he said.

In places where landslides are likely, precautionary measures, including evacuation of people should be taken to avoid the possibility of death, Siddaramaiah said.

In case the house is completely damaged by rains, immediate compensation of Rs 1.20 lakh is being provided, he said, as he asked the Deputy Commissioners to take action like last year by providing new houses to such people.

Assistance should be provided for the construction of houses under various schemes, he added.

The CM said a task force comprising various departments has been formed at all Gram Panchayat levels to deal with the flood disaster, and if they work in coordination, precautionary measures can be taken.

Questioning as to why can't precautionary measures be taken regarding rain in Bengaluru city, he said, "There is information about low-lying areas and waterlogging areas in advance. Officials should be more proactive. Along with temporary measures, permanent solutions should also be taken." 

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)