Special Task Forces formed to monitor flooding in Udupi

Manipal: As many as 63 Gram Panchayats and 86 villages in the district are at risk of flooding. These areas have around 4,000 families and a population of approximately 16,000. Special task forces, led by PDOs, have been formed for special monitoring, Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidyakumari said.

In a press conference at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, she mentioned that an online meeting was held with PDOs, presidents, and members of all Gram Panchayats. Special task forces, including headmasters, ASHA workers, and various departmental officials, have been created for vulnerable areas. The Tahsildars will oversee these operations.

The district has reported damages worth approximately 55 crore rupees due to rain, which has been communicated to the state. Rural roads are severely damaged, and instructions have been given to lay wet mix to allow vehicle movement. A total of 116 relief centers have been opened, and 164 people have been relocated, with many returning home after the floodwaters receded.

Food Kit Distribution

A Bengaluru-based organization has stepped forward to distribute food kits to people in flood-affected areas. About 1,500 kits will be distributed in the next couple of days. Temporary solutions are being found for the increasing coastal erosion in some areas.

Continuous rains had caused the Seetha, Shambhavi, Souparnika, and Haladi rivers to overflow, leading to floods in some areas. With reduced rainfall, the water levels in these rivers have decreased slightly. Residents near riverbanks need to remain vigilant due to heavy rains in the Western Ghats, she added.

The press conference was attended by ZP CEO Dr. Prateek Bayal and Additional Deputy Commissioner Mamata Devi G.S.

Expert Team Visit

IRB officials have already inspected the landslide threat in Ottinene, Byndoor. Additionally, a technical team led by IIT experts will visit the site. Precautionary measures have been taken, and instructions have been given to strengthen retaining walls during road construction.

Report to the Minister

Regarding the delay in the Santhekatte Overpass project, the issue has been communicated to the State Public Works Minister. Instructions have been given to complete the work as soon as possible. Highway Authority officials have also been informed.