Compensation to rain affected to be paid in ten days: Kumaraswamy

Hubli, Sep 20 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the state government had released Rs 20 crore to take up relief works to be taken up in the districts battered by heavy rains and floods during the last one week and more funds will be released if necessary.

Addressing a press conference, after undertaking aerial survey of the flood affected areas in Dharwad and Gadag districts, he said solatium to those who died or lost property in the recent rains and floods that battered normal life in many districts of north Karnataka will be announced within ten days, Karnataka Chief Minister H d Kumaraswamy said today.

"Our first priority of the government would be to provide drinking water to the people of the affected areas as the ground water was contaminated," he said.

Compensation would be as per the norms laid down by the centre, he said adding that it would take a little more than a week's time to assess the damage. As for as the damaged roads were concerned permanent works could be taken up after the monsoon.

Mr Kumaraswamy said deputy commissioners of Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gadag and Dharwad had been asked to spend funds at their disposal to take up immediate relief works in the affected areas. Over 30 relief centers have been opened, he added.

UNI