UDUPI: Union minister of state for agriculture and farmers’ welfare, Shobha Karandlaje, has said that all pending projects of the central government in Udupi district will be completed at the earliest.
During a video conference with the officials from Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency, which the minister represents, here on Friday, she said: “Submit a list of all projects that require central government’s approval. I will discuss with the Union ministers concerned to get all those proposals approved.”
On the Sagar Mala project, the minister said a discussion was held on setting up a harbour in Uppunda at an estimated cost of Rs 130 crore. Referring to the new fisheries policy of the central government, she urged people to submit their suggestions to the government.
Shobha directed the officials to expedite distribution of compensation to monsoon-hit families. “Officials should identify low-lying areas and take necessary precautions. They should be ready to disburse compensation immediately,” she said.
On the pandemic, Shobha said all central guidelines, including those on Covid-appropriate behaviour, should be followed strictly. She directed the officials to conduct spot checks at factories. “Complete the work on new oxygen plants that are being set up in rural areas. Take precautions to prevent the virus spread in rural areas,” she added.
Explaining the fallout of natural calamities, particularly the damage to infrastructure, DC G Jagadeesha said the district has incurred losses to the tune of Rs 110 crore. This includes Rs 99 crore loss incurred due to sea erosion. A detailed proposal seeking compensation has already been submitted to the central government. The district has Rs 11 crore to provide relief for those who are affected due to floods, he explained.
On the possibilities of the third wave of the pandemic, the DC said the district will set up an 50-bed ICU facility exclusively for children. “A comprehensive health check-up drive has already been launched for the benefit of 2.4 lakh children in the district,” he added.
