K'taka CM stresses on swift action to tackle deluge

Udupi, May 30 (UNI) With unprecedented torrential rains lashing Karnataka, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today directed the district officials to act swiftly in taking up relief measures during calamities without waiting for Government instructions.

Chairing a meeting of officials and people's representatives after visiting Malpe fisheries harbour, near here, he said that while taking decisions without waiting for Government order, the officials should be cautious that funds meant for calamity relief were not misused.

Referring to the recurring sea erosion menace during rainy season, the Chief Minister said the State Government would evolve a permanent solution to this problem in the coming days even if the Centre failed to approve and sanction funds for the Rs 128 crore permanent sea protection wall proposal, submitted long ago by the State. He instructed the officials to take up temporary emergency work, for which Rs 4.62 crore had been released, he added.

Udupi Deputy Commissioner Ponnarau, briefing about the situation, said the estimated loss of property was Rs five crore in the district due to incessant rains in the last five days. About 300-350 fishing boats from Malpe and Mangalore, which had been stranded in the sea, have been brought to the shores by Coast Guard rescue boats. About nine boats have capsized in the sea due to rough weather, two bodies of fishermen recovered and six others feared drowned.

He said rescue operation by Coast Guard continued today to trace the remaining missing persons. A Coast Guard helicopter from Mumbai had been pressed into service for the second day today.

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