Relief work to be taken up on war footing in rain-hit K'taka dists

Bangalore, Jul 4 (UNI) Karnataka Revenue Minister Jagadish Shettar today assured in the Legislative Assembly that relief and rehabilitation work will be taken up on a war footing in the rain-hit areas of the State.

Replying to the concern raised by members from Coastal and Malnad districts, he said Science and Technology Minister Ramachandra Gowda, in charge of Kodagu district, had rushed to the hilly district following reports of large scale devastation due to torrential rain.

Referring to the landslide in which six people were killed early today, he said the Government, as an immediate relief, would pay Rs 50,000 to each bereaved family. All steps would be taken to protect life and property and compensation would be provided in accordance with norms.

Members, cutting across party lines, wanted immediate response from the Government on widespread damage being caused to people and property in coastal and Malnad districts by heavy rain. They appealed to the Government to provide timely aid to the affected persons.

UNI VK GD VD HT1800