Karkala : Government officers act as a crucial bridge between the administration and the public, requiring them to work with empathy and compassion alongside intelligence, stated Health and Family Welfare Minister and Udupi District Disaster Management In-charge Minister U.T. Khader. Speaking at a taluk-level rain damage review meeting at the Karkala Taluk Panchayat Hall on August 8, he instructed officials to remain active, dedicated, and accessible 24/7. Noting that natural disasters predominantly affect the poor, he directed officers to personally visit affected spots, extend heartfelt support, and provide generous government relief without hesitation. He also commended the Udupi police force for their swift action in apprehending the culprits in the recent Mudarangadi murder case, proving that criminals from other states have no escape in Karnataka.
During the review, the Minister assessed damage and relief operations across various departments. Agriculture and Horticulture officials reported that paddy was sown across 4,002 hectares and 6.2 hectares of horticultural crops were damaged out of 18,000 hectares, with compensation reports already submitted. Tahsildar Pradeep Kurdekar confirmed that partial compensation was distributed for 59 damaged houses, prompting Minister Khader to urge maximum possible government aid. When the Municipal Veterinary Officer noted 700 stray dogs in the town, the Minister urged immediate sterilization drives via NGOs or trained municipal workers with fair compensation. The DDPI and CDPO highlighted that 342 classroom blocks, 50 compound walls, and 2 Anganwadis were in dangerous conditions, to which the Minister ordered immediate safety measures and relocation. Responsive to Mescom’s report of 955 fallen electricity poles, the Minister humorously questioned pole quality before reviewing repair progress.
The meeting saw sharp exchanges and policy discussions between leaders and officials. Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar, who presided over the meeting, strongly warned forest officials of FIRs if fatal accidents occur due to unpruned roadside trees, citing a recent death in Hebri. Fire department officials cited a lack of personnel and land issues for the pending Hebri station, while PWD officers requested funds for 5 critical bridge repairs, including the Mundli Dam bridge. Addressing the Western Ghats eco-sensitive zone declaration, Minister Khader assured the press that the rights of local forest dwellers would be protected. The meeting was attended by Coastal Development Authority Chairman M.A. Gafoor, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T.K., ZP CEO Prateek Bayal, SP Hariram Shankar, Guarantee Committee Chairman Ajith Hegde, Udaya Shetty Muniyal, and other key district officials.
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