Mangalore: DK deputy commissioner Dr. N.S. Channappa Gowda has sent a proposal to the state Government to sanction a house each for 305 Koraga families, the most backward tribals of DK, who are now residing on state lands. They come under the Integral Tribal Development Programme, it was stated.

A detailed survey of Koragas and their living conditions had been carried out by DK Zilla Panchayat, DC Gowda stated in a review meeting chaired by secretary B.S. Ramprasad holding charge of DK in Bangalore.

There were 205 families in Mangalore, 83 in Bantwal, 56 in Puttur, 80 in Belthangady and 22 in Sullia which have own sites, DC informed the meeting.

If 174 families not owning any land, are ready to settle down in the Government land shown by authorities, they will be given basic facilities Dr. Gowda stated.

The incharge secretary (Ramprasad) observed that there was slow progress in housing schemes in DK. He pointed out that Rs3 crores had been kept aside for tribal development, of which Rs 1.87 crore only was spent for the purpose. The balance amount of Rs 1.13 crores had to be utilised by May 15, and a detailed report should be submitted to the Government, the secretary ruled.

The borewells drilled under a scheme were idle, for want of power supply to obtain water deep down. He urged a co-ordinated step between MESCOM and other corporations.

Water sources should be preserved and he asked that no impure water is supplied to homes for drinking or cooking the secretary warned.

MCC Commissioner Dr. Harish Kumar clarified that if rainfalls did not occur, Thumbe water supply would not be possible in May. To this, Ramprasad added that he would review the progress on second vented dam at Thumbe for additional water and take action suitably in June.

A water Board official informed that estimated cost of new vented dam had risen to Rs 75 crores from an earlier Rs45 crore. MCC had released Rs11 crore and works worth Rs10 crore had been done so far.

About PWD and KRDCL works, the incharge secretary said he would visit the sites to assess works.

Food and Civil Supplies official stated that 42206 online applications for ration cards were received but 1225 were rejected. For LPG Connections, 10000 applications have to be processed. Those consumers who did not give documents for LPG are given time upto April 20, to restore their connections.

Agriculture department JD-Padmaiah Naik spoke of a large demand for ‘Suphala’ manure in DK . He has asked for 1750 quintals of seeds from Karnataka State Seed Corporation. There was no shortage of fertilizers in DK. Power-tillers were in demand, and 68 were distributed. The secretary incharge of DK Cautioned banks against seizing farm properties during drought.

ZP-CEO Dr. K.N. V. Prakash and ADC Dayanand were present.