As K’taka stares at flood-like situation, CM releases Rs 50 crore for relief works

Team Udayavani, Aug 6, 2020, 11:54 AM IST

Bengaluru: With several districts in Karnataka staring at a flood-like situation, as heavy rains continue to lash across the state, Chief Minister (CM) B.S. Yediyurappa ordered the immediate release of Rs 50 crore for taking up emergency works.

The Chief Minister, who is undergoing treatment for coronavirus infection at a private hospital in Bengaluru spoke to Chief Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar on Wednesday and instructed him to release Rs 50 crore for rescue and relief works in flood-hit districts across the state.

With heavy rainfalls predicted over the next 2-3 days, Yediyurappa issued instructions to DCs of the affected districts to closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to ensure safety of the people and their property.

“I have directed Chief Secretary T.M. Vijay Bhaskar to review the situation. I have also ordered immediate release of Rs 50 crore for emergency relief purposes,” Yediyurappa said.

The state government has opened the gates of a massive dam in Uttar Kannada district to release water and avoid flooding the banks of the Kalinadi and Kadra rivers. Water from other dams has been released too.

Steady inflow of rainwater in catchment areas has led to major reservoirs across Krishna, Tunga, Bhadra and Cauvery rivers filling up to their brims. The government has opened the gates of Kadra dam, Kabini dam and others. People living in downstream villages have been evacuated to safer places.