Udupi (PTI): The Karnataka government will take adequate measures on a priority basis to find a permanent solution to prevent sea erosion in the coastal areas, state Minister for Women and Child Development Laxmi Hebbalkar said on Saturday.

Addressing reporters after visiting the erosion-hit areas at Padubidri beach in Udupi district, Hebbalkar, who is also district-in-charge minister, said central assistance will be sought to find a solution to the problem.

On the havoc caused by the incessant rains in the district, the minister said officials have been directed to provide all facilities for people in rain-hit areas. A compensation of Rs 5 lakh each is being provided to the families of those who died in rain-related mishaps, she said.

The deputy commissioner (DC) and superintendent of police have been instructed to take necessary precautionary measures to prevent further loss of lives. The compensation amount for people who lost their houses and cattle will also be distributed soon, she said.

Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, DC M Kurma Rao, zilla panchayat CEO H Prasanna and SP Hakay Akshay Machhindra were present.

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Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has canceled all scheduled events until August 29, following intelligence reports that prompted a significant increase in his security measures. The Governor, who usually does not use a bulletproof vehicle, was seen using one on Wednesday, a reflection of the rising tensions between the ruling Congress party and the Governor’s office.

Governor Gehlot's decision to abstain from public events outside Raj Bhavan led to his absence from the inaugural convocation ceremony of Nrupatunga University on Wednesday. According to sources close to the Governor, intelligence inputs suggested that a section of students might protest during the convocation, leading to his decision to skip the event.

The move comes amidst ongoing protests by Congress leaders and ministers, who are demonstrating against the Governor’s decision to sanction the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. During a rally at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan warned that the state’s peace could be disrupted if the Governor continued to act in what they perceive as a partisan manner. Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza further escalated tensions by suggesting that Congress workers might force Gehlot out of Raj Bhavan, drawing parallels with the unrest in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

A senior official revealed that the Governor is entitled to Z+ security, which includes the use of a bulletproof car, although Gehlot had not used this vehicle since assuming office last July.

Home Minister G Parameshwara, when informed of the increased security measures, including the use of the bulletproof car, stated that he was unaware of any direct threats to the Governor. He noted that heightened security is often a standard procedure based on intelligence reports, especially during significant events like Independence Day.

Parameshwara also distanced himself from the inflammatory remarks made by Ivan D’Souza, asserting that such language is inappropriate for protests, though he declined to take legal action against the Congress MLC.