The former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has said that he will appeal to the Centre for relief works in rain-hit parts of Hassan district.
The loss caused to properties in the taluk has been estimated at ₹307 crore.
Speaking to presspersons after holding a meeting with officers of the district here on Monday, Mr. Gowda, who represents Hassan in Lok Sabha, said that he will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an appointment to meet him to convey the situation in rain-hit places.
“I am confident he will respond positively. If the Centre does not respond, the State has to take the responsibility of providing relief,” he said.
The loss of crop in Sakleshpur and Arkalgud taluk has been estimated at ₹247 crore and the damage caused to roads and public buildings has been valued at ₹60 crore.
Coffee growers are worried over the loss. The officers have stated that the compensation would be distributed as per the guidelines of the Union government. As per guidelines, farmers will get up to ₹2,700 crore per acre of paddy, ragi and potato, while growers of coffee and areca nut get ₹7,000 per acre. “The compensation is less considering the loss caused. The government should be liberal in awarding relief,” he said.
The former PM had convened the meeting with officers after informing the State Election Commission, as the model code of conduct is in force owing to elections to urban local bodies
“It is not proper to take elections seriously when people are in distress over floods. I have not been to campaign for my party candidates. I will make all efforts to provide relief for people of my district,” he said.