Manipal: The saline water entering into the Brinjal fields have damaged the crops in 16.20 acres and the Horticulture Department has released rupees 26 lakhs to 20 farmers as the relief fund for the crop damage, said Deputy Director Horticulture Department as his submission to the KDP meet presided by Vinay Kumar Sorake, Minister for Urban Development and Minister in-charge District. The meet was held at the ZP Auditorium, District Administration Complex, Rajathadri Manipal here on February 23.
The Minister instructed the Horticulture Department DD to estimate the total crop damage and furnish the report on the same. He also said that the department should effectively reach out to the farmers and extend necessary help.
He also instructed the officials to take necessary steps as avoid drinking water problems as summer season is approaching. A project plan costing 690 crores to provide water to rural masses will be submitted to the government. The 2 km canal is under construction for the Varahi water irrigation project. The construction work will be completed by March and the water will be flowed from April into the canals. Dr R Vishal, DC said that the hurdles arising from Revenue and Forest department for the Varahi irrigation project are cleared.
A grant of rupees 80 crores under ADB scheme is released to Udupi CMC. The expert study on implementing effective projects for drinking water supply will be initiated. A proposal for recognizing Udupi as heritage town was sent to the Central Government while it has recognized Badami as heritage town. The Urban Development ministry has adapted Smart City model and for the same Udupi has been included, he added.
He directed the department to effectively use their grants and achieve the desired developmental initiatives. He directed the DHO to hold recruitment process to the ‘D’ group and to provide him necessary inputs on H1N1 and the medicine supplies. He also directed the Women and Child Welfare Department officials to achieve the target in Udyogini Scheme, Deputy Director said that 238 were enrolled for the scheme.
The deputy director of Minority Department said that for 609 students rupees 84.71 lakh scholarship was distributed. The DDPI said that a proposal for the construction of 72 rooms has been sent to the government. A separate grant of rupees 175 lakhs has been sent for repairs, he added.
ZP President Savitha Shivanand Kotian, ZP Vice-President Prakash Mendon, ZP CEO Kanagavalli, SP Annamalai, MLA Gopal Poojary, Sunil Kumar and Prathap Chandra Shetty and others were present.