Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM announces Rs. 300 Crore relief for Karnataka

The Prime Minister was scheduled to visit Belgaum in Karnataka to undertake an aerial survey of the flood damage and to visit a relief camp set up for the survivors of the flood. Unfortunately, due to bad weather, the Prime Minister could not take off from Goa and reach Belgaum. His visit to Karnataka has, therefore, been cancelled. The Prime Minister will return to Delhi late tonight from Goa.

The Prime Minister has made the following statement on the measures the Government of India will take to provide relief to the flood affected people in Karnataka:

"The people of Karnataka have suffered from heavy rainfall and the consequent floods in many regions. The maximum damage has been in Belgaum, Bijapur, Bagalkote, Gulbarga and Raichur districts with some damage in other parts as well. I am told that almost 30 lakh people have been affected in 1300 villages. Sadly, 126 persons have lost their precious lives in these floods. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Over 11,000 cattle have been killed; 85,000 houses damaged and crops destroyed over vast tracts of land.

I am happy to note that the State Government swung into action immediately on rescue and relief operations. I compliment them on their efforts. I have also noted that our gallant Armed Forces played a major role in rescue operations. The nation is proud of them and I thank them for their role here.

We will provide all possible assistance for restoring the affected areas to normalcy. Rs. 100 crores has already been released as special assistance after the floods hit these regions. I have asked the Home Ministry to release another Rs.300 crores immediately from the National Calamity Contingency Fund which will go some way in helping the rehabilitation process.

I have directed a Central Team to visit the State from tomorrow to assess the damage and it will consider in detail the memorandum submitted by the State Government. The loss of life is tragic. We will provide Rs.one lakh to each family which has lost a member from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Crops have suffered a lot in the region. The farmers need to urgently work on a fresh crop. NABARD has been directed to provide a special relief package for affected farmers. Under the package, a second crop loan will be given; and all crop loans taken during this season will be rescheduled over 7 years."