Bengaluru (Agency): As heavy rains persist in various regions of Karnataka, disrupting daily life, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revealed plans for him and his Cabinet colleagues to undertake tours in teams to assess the situation in affected districts. In a meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening, the Chief Minister will connect with Deputy Commissioners of all districts and Zilla Panchayat CEOs via video conferencing to evaluate the impact of the ongoing weather conditions on crops and infrastructure.
Discussing the current rainfall patterns, Siddaramaiah stated that while June experienced a shortfall in rains, July has witnessed rainfall slightly above normal levels. This assessment comes amidst concerns over flooding in certain districts due to the heavy downpours.
Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister announced his intentions to review the situation in Haveri district promptly. He also mentioned that he and other Ministers will visit districts facing significant rainfall and flooding in the coming days. The districts slated for the Cabinet’s assessment include Udupi, Mangaluru (Dakshina Kannada), Uttara Kannada, and more. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda is currently in Kodagu, while Agriculture Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy will accompany the Chief Minister during his visits.
In response to reports of money being collected from women during the registration process for the “Gruha Lakshmi” scheme, which pledges Rs 2,000 per month to women heading households, Siddaramaiah emphatically clarified that the scheme is entirely free for all beneficiaries. He sternly warned that if any evidence of unauthorized collection arises, those involved will face criminal charges.
The state authorities, amidst grappling with the challenges posed by torrential rains, are taking proactive steps to assess the situation in the rain-hit regions and provide assistance to affected communities. The Chief Minister’s tour, along with his Cabinet colleagues, aims to gain a firsthand understanding of the extent of damage caused by the downpours and to expedite relief measures.
