Date:02/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/02/stories/2006090203730500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

80,000 families to be shifted to safe places

Staff Reporter

They are from 26 villages in Belgaum district affected by the recent floods

Rs. 50 crore will be released in phases for the rehabilitation of the affected families

`Some people are reluctant to shift from their villages'

BANGALORE: Social Welfare Minister Balachandra Jarkiholi said on Friday that 80,000 families in 26 villages of Raibagh, Chikodi, Athani, Gokak, Savadatti and Ramadurga taluks in Belgaum district, which had been affected by floods, would be permanently shifted to safe places.

Addressing presspersons here, the Minister said that Rs. 50 crore would be released in phases for the rehabilitation of the affected families. Funds would be released to build houses and to provide civic amenities to them. In some villages, the problem was not acute and developing the approach roads to colonies would suffice.

Asked about the promise by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil that the Centre would sanction funds for shifting villages in Belgaum district, Mr. Jarkiholi, who is also in-charge of the district, said a proposal in this regard would be sent to the Centre.

He said this time the damage to houses and standing crops, particularly sugarcane, was less compared to the last year's loss.

The Minister said some people were reluctant to shift from their villages to new colonies.