Mangaluru, May 30: Deputy Commissioner Sasikumar Senthil said that two persons have lost their precious lives and the properties worth Rs 20.74 crore was damaged in the rains that lashed the coastal region on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters about rain damages at his office here on Wednesday, he said that the rain lashed the coastal region for almost six hours continuously recording 368 mm rainfall. The district had recorded the average rainfall of 156.8 mm. Because of the heavy rains, roads, bridges, private buildings, electric poles and others worth Rs 16.63 crore were damaged. Total 560 houses were damaged causing the loss of Rs 4.11 crore. In the district, total 35 houses including 30 in Mangaluru taluk alone were completely damaged and the loss was estimated at Rs 78.33 lakh. Apart from this, 42 houses including 22 houses in Mangaluru taluk were partially damaged and 483 houses have minor damages, the DC said.

The district administration would issue compensation to the houses which were completely damaged in a couple of days. Remaining partially damaged houses and with minor damages would verified once again and disburse the compensation, he said.

The onset of monsoon rain should have been started from June 1. But because of the depression, the monsoon started three days ahead of the actual date. The district administration has taken all measures for the last one month to tackle the monsoon rains. The district would get an average rainfall of 150 mm. Earlier also, the district has seen such a rainfall. As the district administration was not prepared to face the rains for six hours continuously, it has faced lot of problems and inconvenience, he said.

As there was waxing in Phalguni and Netravati rivers on Tuesday morning, the rainwater could not reach the rivers due to which low-lying areas were marooned. But by the evening, the water level in the rivers was decreased and the rainwater gushed into the rivers. Since the district administration was prepared to face the eventuality, it has pressed boats into the service and taken other measures on time. In order to help the distressed people, six gruel centres were opened in the city, he said.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Vaishaly, DHO Dr Ramakrishna Rao and others were present.  

Encroachment of storm water drainages to be cleared: DC

The DC said that a team of officials were entrusted the responsibility of inspecting the encroachment of storm water drainages and those which were filled with silt in the district.  As a priority, this team would inspect the present condition of major storm water drainages from Kottara Chowki to Phalguni river and from Jappu to Netravati river and submit a report within next three days. If the storm water drainages were encroached, the district administration would take action immediately, he said.

 

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Noida (PTI): Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam has warned outsourcing agencies and contractors of strict action, including blacklisting and licence cancellation, in case of any unruly behaviour by them or their workers.

The warning comes in the wake of a large-scale protest by thousands of factory workers, including women, in Noida that turned violent on Monday.

Chairing a meeting with outsourcing agencies and contractors of various industrial units on Tuesday, Roopam stressed the need for 100 per cent compliance with government guidelines to maintain industrial peace in the district.

"All contractors must ensure 100 per cent adherence to government guidelines. If any unruly behaviour is exhibited by an agency, or by any of its employees or workers, the agency itself shall be held jointly responsible and in such instances, the agency may be blacklisted, and proceedings for the cancellation of its licence may be initiated," the DM said.

Referring to the revised minimum wage rates prescribed by the state government, the district magistrate said unskilled workers will receive Rs 13,690 per month, semi-skilled workers Rs 15,059, and skilled workers Rs 16,868.

She directed contractors to ensure full compliance with these wage standards and to transfer wages directly into workers' bank accounts.

Emphasising the interdependence of stakeholders, Roopam said industry, workers and employers are mutually complementary.

"The smooth operation of industries safeguards employment opportunities, while the stability of employers simultaneously ensures the future of the workforce," she said.

She cautioned that any disruption in industrial activity would adversely impact all stakeholders as well as the overall development of the state.

The district magistrate also appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours or misleading information and urged all stakeholders to work with mutual cooperation and trust.

She assured that the state government remains committed to protecting the interests of both workers and employers, and that the administration stands ready to act promptly to resolve any issues.