Deshpande for expert panel to study landslides

An expert committee will be constituted to study the triggers behind the massive landslides, which are being reported from Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts, said Revenue Minister R V Deshpande.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the landslide affected areas in Jodupala on the border of DK-Kodagu districts on Sunday, he said, “The reason for the landslide is not known. Hence, I will appeal to the Chief Minister to constitute an expert committee to study the landslips.”

The priority before the state government is to rescue the stranded people from the landslide and flood-affected areas and providing rehabilitation to them. All the relief centres have been inspected. The centres do not lack any basic facilities. The victims have been asked not to leave for their houses as the landslides continue to occur in Kodagu, he said.

The officials have been directed to identify schoolchildren who are provided shelter at Sampaje and Kallugundi relief centres. The DK district administration has been directed to provide them with temporary admission to the nearby schools.

To a query, the minister said that strict action will be initiated against those who raise funds in the name of flood relief without permission from the district administration.

He said that 1,326 pucca houses have been damaged in Dakshina Kannada in the recent rain. Of which, 280 houses have completely collapsed. A compensation of Rs 1.47 crore has been distributed among the affected families.

A total of 434 kutcha houses have been damaged, of which, 386 houses have been fully damaged. Compensation has been paid to the families of 11 people who lost their lives in the rain-related incidents.

In Udupi, 40 houses have been fully damaged and 1,017 houses have been partially damaged. Crops on 29 hectares of land have been destroyed in the rain. The state government will release Rs 4 crore under the calamity relief fund to Udupi on Monday.