Madikeri: Former CM Siddaramaiah has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi pay a visit to the flood-ravaged Kodagu district, considering the fact that over 6,000 people have been displaced in the recent floods in the district.
Addressing a news conference after visiting various relief centres in the district, Siddaramaiah said that widespread damages have been suffered and hence the PM must visit Kodagu and declare an appropriate relief package for the district as he did in Kerala.
“The initial package of Rs 500 cr for Kerala is appreciable. Now we expect similar help from centre for Kodagu too,” he said and added that he has already urged the state government to form an expert committee to assess the losses suffered and has asked Minister Krishna Byregowda to make sure employment generation under MGNREGS takes off in Kodagu district. He further said that Minister UT Khader has been asked to take necessary steps to provide temporary and permanent accommodation for the displaced families.
“Priority will be given on construction of roads, providing electricity and medical facilities along with construction of homes, ” he said.
Cong elected reps to donate pay
Siddaramaiah said that the Congress elected representatives-MLAs, MPs and Rajya Sabha members have decided to donate one month’s pay for Kodagu relief and another month’s pay for Kerala. The KPCC, he said has formed Relief Committee under the leadership of Rama Murthy, which will remain in Kodagu for three days to assess the situation. Based on this assessment, the party will decide about the relief. He lauded the state government for carrying out the relief work effectively.
KPCC President Dinesh Gundurao among others were present.
