Date:09/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/09/stories/2008040954160400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Team arrives to assess crop damage

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: A three-member team, led by Ramesh Abhishek, Joint Secretary, Union Home Department, arrived here on Tuesday and left for the rain-affected districts of Dharwad, Gadag, Bijapur and Belgaum to assess the damage caused to crops on account of untimely rain two weeks ago.

Officials in the Revenue Department told The Hindu that Mr. Abhishek and Union Finance Department Deputy Secretary Mithilesh left for Dharwad and Gadag, while Oilseeds Development Corporation Director D.N. Gurumukhi left for Bijapur and Belgaum districts.

The team members will arrive in Bangalore on Wednesday and hold a meeting with Chief Secretary Sudhakar Rao, the officials added.

Governor Rameshwar Thakur had urged the Union Government to despatch the team to assess rain damage in the State.