Minister MB Patil seeks industry leaders' support in Wayanad landslide relief efforts
Bengaluru, Aug 10: In the wake of devastating landslides in Wayanad in neighbouring Kerala, which claimed over two hundred lives and left several people missing, Karnataka Minister MB Patil has appealed to industry leaders and corporations across Karnataka to extend their support for the relief and rehabilitation efforts.
In a letter addressed to industry leaders, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development Patil expressed his gratitude for their ongoing contributions to the industrial growth of Karnataka.
In a statement shared by the Minister's office, he highlighted the catastrophic loss resulting from the recent landslides, which have ravaged approximately 310 hectares of agricultural land, devastating the livelihoods of thousands of families in the affected regions of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Meppadi. The disaster has left many without shelter, food, or basic necessities, he added.
The Minister has urged the industrial sector to come forward and contribute generously to the ongoing relief operations led by the Government of Kerala.
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He emphasised the critical need for immediate rescue efforts, provision of essential supplies, and long-term rehabilitation initiatives. These include rebuilding homes, restoring agricultural lands, reconstructing schools and other essential infrastructure, providing livelihood support, and ensuring access to healthcare for those affected.
"This is a crucial time for us to come together and reaffirm our shared commitment to the welfare of our fellow citizens. By joining hands, we can help restore hope and rebuild lives in Wayanad," the Minister stated in his appeal.
He further noted that the contributions from industries would not only align with their corporate values but also make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by this unprecedented disaster.
The Minister has directed industries to coordinate with Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development, for any clarifications or assistance regarding their contributions.
Patil said that in times of such humanitarian crises, the spirit of humanity must prevail above all else.
"This call to action underscores the Karnataka government's commitment to supporting its neighbouring state in overcoming the aftermath of this natural calamity," he stated.
At least 226 people died and many remain unaccounted for after landslides hit the region on July 30 in what is seen as one of the biggest natural disasters to have impacted the southern state.
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Rupee falls 9 paise to all-time low of 90.58 against US dollar in early trade
Mumbai (PTI): Rupee depreciated 9 paise to an all-time low of 90.58 against US dollar in early trade on Monday, weighed down by uncertainty over an India-US trade deal and persistent foreign fund outflows.
Forex traders said rupee is trading with a negative bias as investors are in wait and watch mode and awaiting cues from the India-US trade deal front.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 90.53 against the US dollar, then fell further to an all-time intraday low of 90.58 against the greenback, registering a fall of 9 paise over its previous close.
On Friday, the rupee had slipped 17 paise to close at an all-time low of 90.49 against the American currency.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.05 per cent lower at 98.35.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading higher by 0.52 per cent at USD 61.44 per barrel in futures trade.
On the domestic equity market front, the 30-share benchmark index Sensex was trading 298.86 points lower at 84,968.80, while the Nifty was down 121.40 points at 25,925.55.
Foreign Institutional Investors sold equities worth Rs 1,114.22 crore on Friday, according to exchange data.
"FPIs continue to be in selling mode in equity and debt while RBI has been selling dollars to fund their long positions," said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.
