Opposition demands setting up of State Diaster Management Authority

Bangalore, July 25 (UNI) Opposition Congress in the legislative Council today demanded the Karnataka Government to immediately set up State Disaster Management Authority.

Taking strong exception in the delay caused in formation of the Authority, Leader of the Opposition H K Patil said despite the Union Government gazetting the formation of National Disaster Management Authority Act almost a year back, the State Government was yet to respond.

While seaking on a discussion on Flood situation he also wanted the concerned officials to be punished for the delay.

He said the Disaster Management Authority would help in fighting floods and drought in the State and there should not be any political delay in forming such Authority in the interest of the people.

Stating that people have suffered heavy damages due to floods in Krishna and Bhima rivers, Mr Patil urged the State Government to form a permanent Flood Control Authority so that it could inform well in advance about discharge of water from Almatti and it can also be in touch with neighbouring Maharashtra State and discuss about release of water from Koyna dam. Despite floods in the River Krishna for the last four years no step had been taken by the government to draw up permanent measures to check the hardship caused to the people due to loss of crop and damages to buildings.

Mr Patil also suggested setting up of Central Water Gauging Centre to measure flow of water on 250 km from Krishna river to Almatti dam so that precautionary measure can be taken and also supply of water for irrigation purpose can be ensured scientifically. Water Gauging equipment may be installed in between Almatti and Krishna River, he added.

UNI