Ministers to go to rain affected districts & oversee relief work: Karnataka CM Bommai
Bengaluru(PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said that all ministers of his government would travel to rain battered districts in the state and oversee relief work there.
He said a survey is on to estimate the damage and the compensation will be announced at the earliest.
"Several Ministers are in the rain affected districts as this was unseasonal rain. Some Ministers, who couldn't do so earlier, will also go. All Ministers will go to their districts," Bommai said.
Speaking to reporters, he pointed out that there is need to get the Election Commission's permission as well, in the wake of December 10 legislative council polls and that he has spoken to the EC in this regard.
"I have told the commission to allow Ministers to hold meetings with officials, to permit the survey work. The Chief Secretary will also be writing to the Election Commission in this regard. Ministers will go to the affected districts immediately," he added.
The biennial election to the Karnataka Legislative Council from 20 Local Authorities Constituencies for 25 seats, due to retirement of sitting members, will be held on December 10, and the Model Code of Conduct is in place.
Noting that the depression in the Bay of Bengal has resulted in unexpected, untimely, widespread rains in the south and north interior and coastal parts of the state, Bommai said that due to excess rains in the interior regions in the last few days, there are reports of destruction of crops, connecting roads and bridges, and loss of lives in some places.
He said that during the recent video conference, district administrations were directed to survey losses at all affected regions.
Pointing out that continuous rains made it difficult to do surveys in some areas, the Chief Minister said "Preliminary or eyesight surveys have begun where the rains have reduced and information is getting uploaded on the portal. From today evening we will examine the reports, discuss with officials on the funds required, following which the compensation will be announced."
During the rains in July, August and September, three lakh farmers had lost their crops and the government has already released compensation, he said, adding that Rs 130 crore was pending and that he has ordered for its immediate disbursement through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
The CM said he has already inspected a few rain affected areas of Bengaluru city and that he would continue to do so in future as well. Bommai, in response to a question, said "We care for Bengaluru. Officials have been directed to take up project and repair works once the rain reduces and preparations are on. Work will be taken up on a war footing."
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
