DCs of ‘red alert’ districts must be on vigil 24x 7: Ashok

By NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In view of the heavy rains predicted in several districts in the next few days, Revenue Minister R. Ashok held a meeting with deputy commissioners of the districts concerned and instructed them to be on high alert and take necessary steps to mitigate problems of citizens.

He directed them to visit the rain-hit areas personally and distribute compensation depending on the damage to dwellings within 48 hours. Already, four teams of National Disaster Relief Force(NDRF) have arrived in the state and will be deployed to evacuate affected people.

Ashok who is also vicepresident of the State Disaster Management Authority, said a red alert has been sounded in Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu, Shivamogga and Davangere where heavy rains have been predicted in the next few days. The CEOs have been issued instructions as the DCs cannot attend meetings due to the code of conduct which is in place for the Council polls.

The revenue minister said he would write to all district-in-charge ministers to chair review meetings to take stock of the situation. Wherever landslides occur, residents must be convinced to shift to safer locations. The compensation for loss of life or property must be disbursed within 2 days.

Four NDRF relief teams would be deployed in Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Belagavi and Raichur City while one team has been exclusively reserved for Bengaluru City.