Rebuild Infrastructure Damaged by Rains: Mamatha Devi GS
Udupi, August 13, 2024: Following significant damage caused by recent heavy rainfall in Udupi district, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mamatha Devi G.S. has directed officials to prioritize the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure to restore public utilities.
During the District Disaster Management Authority meeting held at the Rajathadri District Office in Manipal, she emphasized the urgent need for these efforts.
The district experienced 41% more rainfall than usual in July, resulting in extensive damage to roads, bridges, power lines, transformers, schools, and Anganwadi centers. The estimated loss amounts to ₹183 crore.
Mamatha Devi instructed that rebuilding efforts be expedited, particularly in landslide-prone areas, where preventive measures, such as constructing retaining walls, should be taken to avoid further incidents.
The reduction in rainfall over the past few days has led to water stagnation in certain areas, raising concerns about mosquito breeding and the potential spread of dengue. Local authorities and health department staff have been tasked with raising public awareness about the prevention and control of communicable diseases.
In addition, the district has formed a National Oil Spill Disaster Management Committee to address potential oil or chemical spills that could contaminate water bodies and pose environmental risks.
Mamatha Devi highlighted the importance of public awareness campaigns in dengue-prone areas and called for proper disposal of items like coconut shells and tea cups to prevent mosquito breeding. She also noted that the district’s disaster management fund currently has ₹16.93 crore available, with an additional ₹2.61 crore accessible at the taluk level.
The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Mahesh Chandra, Food and Civil Supplies Department Deputy Director Ravindra, Joint Director of the Industrial Department Nagaraj V. Naik, Commissioner Rayappa, and other district-level officials and tehsildars.
