Priyank Kharge, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and the minister in charge for the Kalaburagi district, continued his visits to flood-stricken villages across Chittapur and Kalagi taluks on Saturday. His mission was to assess the severe damage inflicted by relentless rainfall and the resultant overflowing of local streams and rivers, engaging directly with the residents grappling with the aftermath.
In Hale Hebbal village, located within the Chittapur taluk, Mr. Kharge witnessed firsthand the devastation, inspecting a house that had collapsed after being inundated by water from the Bennithora reservoir. He immediately instructed officials to conduct a thorough and urgent survey of all damaged homes. “I expect a comprehensive report on the extent of damage at the earliest possible time,” he emphasized to the officials, “to ensure that financial compensation reaches affected families without any undue delay.”
During his visit, villagers passionately appealed for the permanent relocation of their settlement to a safer area. Responding to their heartfelt plea, Mr. Kharge assured them that he would return to delve deeper into this critical demand once the monsoon season had subsided and the immediate crisis eased.
“If relocation proves to be the necessary long-term solution, we will meticulously assess how many families are willing to move and then collectively work towards finding a viable solution,” he stated. Furthermore, he directed Additional Deputy Commissioner Rayappa Hunasgi and Assistant Commissioner Sahitya to organize a ‘gram sabha’ (village assembly) to discuss the matter thoroughly. He also instructed the Kalagi tahsildar to guarantee that all families temporarily housed in relief centers receive essential facilities and support.
Later in the day, the Minister proceeded to Kanasur village, another area severely impacted by the overflowing Bennithora river. Here too, residents reiterated their urgent need for relocation. “Your concerns are entirely valid,” he acknowledged. “I promise to revisit this area once the situation stabilizes and commit to working towards a permanent resolution for your community.”
Continuing his tour in Kalagi taluk, Mr. Kharge visited Malaghan village, where widespread destruction of both houses and agricultural land was evident due to heavy rains and flash floods. He instructed Bhanwar Singh Meena, the chief executive officer of the zilla panchayat, to compile a detailed report on all flood-affected villages in both Chittapur and Kalagi taluks within one week.
After inspecting a sugarcane field severely damaged by waterlogging, he spoke with Joint Director of Agriculture Samad Patel, stressing the importance of ensuring that farmers receive adequate support. “Conduct an immediate survey of crop losses and submit the findings promptly so that compensation can be processed efficiently,” the Minister directed the officer.
In Gundagurti village, also in Chittapur taluk, the Minister underscored the paramount importance of safely relocating vulnerable families. “Every life holds immense value. It is crucial to ensure that residents in low-lying, high-risk areas are moved to secure locations without any postponement,” he instructed his team.
Reassuring the distressed residents across all affected villages, Mr. Kharge conveyed the government’s unwavering commitment to their well-being. “We will provide every possible form of immediate relief, and simultaneously implement measures to mitigate the devastating impact of future recurring floods,” he affirmed.
Concluding his remarks in Gundagurti village, the Minister reiterated his directive to officials, emphasizing the need to ensure the timely and safe relocation of all affected residents to safer areas.