Puttur: Assuring the hapless arecanut growers in his home district that he would always stand by them in their trails and tribulations, CM DVS Gowda told them on Tuesday that a report was expected from experts  who are conducting a survey into the rotting disease in areca palm trees, and preventive steps will be taken against pests to protect areca crops, based on the report.

Their loans will be renewed by the department and earlier loan repayments also will be deferred for the time being, in view of challenges facing them, CM told the anxious estate owners, at the helipad near Kavu Maniadka. He discussed more issues with pressmen.

Mani- Sampaje road reconstruction will be taken up, once the jelly stones are made available to road contractors, CM told waiting newsmen. He also referred to power deficit in state, and arrangements being worked out to secure more electricity from MP and National Grid, besides starting UPCL second unit, and small private power producers being contacted to sell their excess power at a higher rare (Rs 6.50 a unit).

He has instructed PWD officials to repair damaged roads by asphalting them afresh. MP Nalinkumar, Puttur MLA Mallika, CDA Chief B. Nagaraja  Shetty and other BJP local leaders were present.