Decision on rejecting Kasturirangan report will be made after discussions: CM Siddaramaiah

During his visit, Siddaramaiah updated the public on the financial and logistical measures being taken to address the damage caused by the recent natural calamities in Kodagu.

Madikeri: In a press conference held after inspecting landslide and flood-affected areas in Kodagu district, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revealed that the decision to reject the Kasturirangan report will be finalized following further discussions with the Forest Minister. 

The report, which has been a point of contention, will be reviewed more thoroughly before a conclusive decision is made, he added.

During his visit, Siddaramaiah updated the public on the financial and logistical measures being taken to address the damage caused by the recent natural calamities in Kodagu. He announced that the state has allocated Rs 746 crores, with an additional Rs 46 crores available in the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner's Personal Deposit (PD). He assured that more funds would be provided if necessary to aid in recovery efforts. 

The Chief Minister highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that incessant rains have exacerbated the damage. “Landslides have occurred in 20 locations, with smaller landslides affecting several other areas. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities, but there are injuries. Sixty-seven houses have been completely destroyed, and 176 have suffered partial damage,” Siddaramaiah stated.

To assist the affected, the government has announced compensation packages: Rs 1.20 lakh for completely destroyed houses and Rs 50,000 for partially damaged homes. An additional Rs 43,000 will be provided from state funds, with payments already being transferred directly to the victims' accounts. Compensation for livestock losses stands at Rs 35,000 per animal.

The Chief Minister also addressed the damage to infrastructure, including 344 km of public and district panchayat roads and 2,708 fallen electric poles, of which all but 150 have been restored. Forty-seven damaged transformers have been reinstalled, and repair work is underway. Furthermore, horticultural crops on 28 hectares have been damaged, prompting a joint survey by the Coffee Board and Revenue Department.

Fourteen relief camps have been established, housing 186 displaced individuals. Siddaramaiah emphasized the urgency of completing landslide repair work at the Deputy Commissioner's office by December. He also noted that the region has experienced 50% more rainfall than usual this season.

District In-charge Minister N. S. Boseraju, MLAs AS Ponnanna, Mantar Gowda, former Minister MC Nanaiah, and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh were present at the press meet.

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