Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge recently conducted an extensive tour of the flood-devastated villages in Kalaburagi district’s Chittapur taluk. The visit aimed to assess the severe damage caused by the overflowing Bhima river, which has submerged vast agricultural lands and residential areas.
Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Tarannum and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhanwar Singh Meena, Minister Kharge navigated the submerged regions by boat. He meticulously evaluated the scale of destruction resulting from the incessant heavy rainfall and directly engaged with the families impacted by the floods, listening attentively to their hardships and concerns.
According to officials, approximately 300 flood victims, comprising 186 families, have been safely relocated to a temporary relief camp established in Kadabur village. The Minister’s tour also included visits to Kumanoor, Honagunti villages, and Wadi town, all of which have borne the brunt of the recent flooding.
Action and Future Plans
Minister Kharge announced that a comprehensive report detailing the extent of the flood damage would be presented to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his upcoming visit on Tuesday. He emphasized that the Chief Minister is scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of 11 severely affected locations across the region to gain a complete understanding of the situation.
To accurately quantify the total losses, a thorough post-flood survey will be initiated once the heavy rains subside. Minister Kharge also highlighted that the Congress-led State government has already allocated nearly ₹1,400 crore for various relief and rehabilitation measures since assuming power.
In a call for collaborative efforts, Mr. Kharge urged BJP leaders from the State to lead a delegation to the Central government. The purpose of this delegation would be to advocate for a simplification of the guidelines governing the National Disaster Response Funds, thereby facilitating quicker and more efficient aid disbursement in times of crisis.