PWD Chief Engineer suspended

Mysore, Oct 8 (UNI) Karnataka Minister for Public Works Department H D Revanna today kept under suspension the services of Cauvery Niravari Nigama Chief Engineer (Irrigation South) for breach in the Taraka dam built across the Kabini River in H D Kote in the district yesterday.

Mr Revanna, after visiting the Dam site and witnessing water still gushing out due to washed out crest gate, ordered suspension of Chief Engineer Devaraju stating that the official had not visited the dam even after the water level reached its full capacity for the first time since its construction in 1983.

The Minister directed Deputy Commissioner to constitute nine teams, under Village Panchyath heads, to assess the loss and report within two days.

According to preliminary reports, standing crops, including Sugar Cane, Paddy and Tobacco, worth approximately Rs 1.5 Crore, were washed out in the flood water.

Mr Revanna assured the villagers that he would try his best to get compensation of at least 50 per cent of the crop loss against present practice of paying Rs 500 per acre.

Expert Ramappa of Irrigation Department said it will take at least one week to install the gate.

One of the three crest gates of Taraka dam collapsed yesterday midnight resulting in extensive damage to the standing crops and some animals and houses were washed away in heavy discharge from the dam.

Crops in over 17,000 acres of land have been either damaged or submerged.

UNI BSP MSP KD KN1847