Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Sep 30 (NationPress) - The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, performed an aerial inspection of four districts in the North Karnataka region that have been severely impacted by flooding on Tuesday.

In the initial phase, the Chief Minister assessed the flood-stricken areas in Kalaburagi and Vijayapura districts. The subsequent phase involved surveying the affected regions in Bidar and Yadgir districts.

Prior to the aerial survey, CM Siddaramaiah arrived at Kalaburagi Airport from Bengaluru and convened a preliminary meeting at the airport to collect comprehensive details regarding the damage inflicted by the floods in the areas along the Bhima River.

District officials and nodal secretaries from Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir, and Vijayapura participated in the meeting, providing extensive briefings.

Following this, CM Siddaramaiah, accompanied by Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil, Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda, and Minister for RDPR Priyank Kharge, embarked on the first round of the aerial survey.

Later, the second round focused on evaluating crop devastation in the Bidar region.

The meeting, chaired by CM Siddaramaiah at the Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner's Office, included MLAs, ministers, and officials from the four districts.

CM Siddaramaiah remarked, "A joint survey of crop damage up to the first week of September has been finalized, and preparations for compensation distribution are underway. However, a second wave of crop damage has occurred. Consequently, it was resolved that a survey of damages after the first week of September should also be conducted, with compensation to be distributed to all impacted farmers simultaneously.

This approach aims to prevent confusion and grievances from those who might feel overlooked if only select individuals receive compensation," the CM explained.

Currently, the condition of the fields is such that they are unreachable. Once the floodwaters recede, the government is poised to promptly execute a scientific joint survey and distribute relief. Such a survey is essential prior to any relief distribution, stated CM Siddaramaiah.

During the meeting, it was decided to deploy agricultural officers and personnel from nearby unaffected districts to assist in the flood-impacted areas.

Initial surveys have been conducted regarding the loss of human lives and livestock, but the assessment of damaged homes remains incomplete. A thorough and precise survey is vital to ensure fair compensation for all affected individuals, according to CM Siddaramaiah.

The unprecedented rainfall and floods have caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, and barrages, many of which are currently submerged. The CM instructed that a survey be conducted on this infrastructure damage and a report be submitted.

“The combined impact of heavy rainfall in Maharashtra and Ujani, along with record precipitation in our state, has exacerbated the situation,” commented CM Siddaramaiah.

The Chief Minister directed that temporary and permanent retaining walls should be constructed wherever necessary to avert future disasters.

He also mandated that Deputy Commissioners must conduct inspections of the structural integrity of schools in flood-prone villages. If any school building is deemed unsafe, it should be relocated, and alternative arrangements must be made. Negligence in this regard will not be tolerated, he warned.

Funds are not an issue; resources have been collected in the PD (Personal Deposit) account, and emergency rescue and relief operations should proceed without disruption, he affirmed.

For villages that consistently face flooding, where permanent rehabilitation is impractical, the CM instructed officials to devise a suitable relocation plan, drawing on previous experiences and input from all relevant departments.