Jodupala tragedy: victims worry about their livelihood
Hundreds of people housed in camps search for ray of hope
Madikeri, August 25: Hundreds of rain-flood, landslides victims from villages around Jodupala in Madikeri taluk in Kodagu district are still spending days at various rescue camps. The victims of these villages have been housed in the rescue camps at Tekkil Community Hall, Sampaje and Devarakolli Government Schools in Sullia Taluk. 760 members of 198 families have been housed at Tekkil Community Hall and Sampaje camp. While some of them have gone to their relatives' homes, many people of Jodupala and Yeradane Monnangeri village are still living in camps as these are the worst affected areas.
Jodupala and Yeradane Monnangeri have lost their contact with other places because there have been severe damages. Roads connecting villages have entirely vanished. Moreover, most villagers' houses and lands are damaged. The Officials have given the green signal for the people to shift to their houses after verifying the situation of their homes, except in these two villages. However, a team of senior officials and experts will inspect Jodupala and Yerdane Monnangeri villages. People will be allowed to stay there, only after the team confirms that there is no risk to reside in these villages, a senior official said.
Despite all the arrangements in the camps, the Jodupala and Yerdane Monnangeri villagers who have lost their homes and lands are worried about their livelihood. The rescue camps cannot last longer. Villagers do not have their houses to live in if even they want to go to their villages. Moreover, there is no road for them to reach their place. “Our life is intact. We do not know what action the government will take to settle us. Organizations, politicians, and officials are coming and assuring us. We have stayed here for eight days,” Krishnappa of Jodupala village lamented.
Three camps in Sullia Taluk have been opened for the flood victims of Jodupala and surrounding villages in Madikeri taluk. Doctors have been assigned to serve 24 hours a day. The necessary drugs are available. All types of precautionary measures have been taken to prevent infectious diseases. Hot water is being provided to all the victims. Hot water is being provided even for bathing also.
- Dr. Subrahmanya, Sullia taluk medical officer
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'No full stop in politics': PM bids farewell to 59 RS members, hails Deve Gowda, Kharge, Pawar
New Delhi, Mar 18 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to 59 members retiring from the Rajya Sabha between April and July, calling Parliament "an open university" and urging outgoing legislators to continue contributing to national life.
Addressing the Upper House on the occasion of the biennial farewell, Modi said such moments naturally dissolve partisan divides.
"A shared sentiment emerges within us all -- the realisation that our colleagues are now moving forward to undertake other endeavours," he said.
To members who do not plan to return, the Prime Minister offered reassurance: "In politics, there is no such thing as a full stop. The future awaits you as well, and your experience will forever remain an enduring part of our national life."
Modi reserved special praise for three senior leaders -- former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, and NCP chief Sharad Pawar -- calling them stalwarts who have spent more than half their lives in parliamentary proceedings.
"The manner in which they continue to attend the House with such dedication is truly exemplary -- a spirit from which all new parliamentarians ought to learn," he said.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to outgoing Deputy Chairman Harivansh, describing him as "gentle and soft-spoken" yet a "man of rigorous action".
He noted that Harivansh had continued to travel across the country during recess periods, engaging with the youth on issues of national importance.
In a lighter vein, Modi singled out Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. "Our Athawale-ji is truly evergreen," he said, drawing laughter in the House.
"He is departing, yet I am confident no one will feel a void -- he will continue to serve tirelessly."
Reflecting on the bicameral structure of Parliament, the Prime Minister likened the passage of legislation between the two Houses to seeking a "second opinion" -- a practice, he said, that strengthens democratic decision-making.
"A decision taken in one House goes to the other for a second opinion. This gives new direction to the entire debate and the decision-making process," he said.
Modi also noted that some outgoing members had the rare distinction of having served in both old and new Parliament buildings. He described a six-year Rajya Sabha term as "an invaluable opportunity to shape one's life", offering legislators deep insight into the nuances of national affairs.
