Madikeri: Stating that the huge landslide on Malethirike hillock coming under Virajpet Town Panchayat in 2018 has rendered the hillock unfit for human habitat, Revenue Minister R. Ashok said that a parcel of private land has been identified at Ambatti village of Bittangala in Virajpet taluk for rehabilitating  displaced persons.

Replying to a question by Congress MLC Veena Achaiah at the Legislative Council, Ashok said that the process for purchase of the identified private land is underway.

Maintaining that no Government land was available in Virajpet Town Panchayat limits, he said that 7.70 acres of private land is being purchased for rehabilitation. Pointing out that the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has reported that 57 houses in Malethirike Hillock, 5 houses in Ursu Nagar and 9 houses in Nehrunagar are unfit for human living, he said that the GSI report has explained the causes for the landslide, which included digging of the hills for road construction, unscientific foundation for houses and indiscreet felling of naturally grown trees, among others.

Stating that a total of 71 houses have to be relocated, Ashoka said that necessary measures would be taken during the rainy season to shelter people living in dangerous conditions, at care centres .

Welcoming the Minister’s statement on the action taken, Veena Achaiah said that apart  from Malethirike Hill, there were over 2,500 people living in landslide prone areas in Nehrunagar and there is a need for rehabilitating them too.

Asserting that the 71 houses that the Government has proposed to construct is not enough, the MLC contended that there is Government lands at Balugodu, Arji, Kedamallur, Bittangala and surrounding places, which should be identified and distributed among the displaced people. Mentioning that the current economic position of the Government is not good, she said that the dearth of funds may further delay purchase of private land and the problem is sure to get more compounded with the onset of the monsoon, which is less than three months away.

Ashok, in his reply, said that he will direct the officials to identify lands if the Government gets inputs on the survey numbers under which Government lands are available.

Claiming that this will help save Government money and also help in rehabilitation, Ashoka said that a proposal has been sent to Union Government on establishing care centres in all flood-prone areas at a total cost of about Rs.10 crore. Asserting that such care centres will have all necessary facilities, he said that during other times, these centres can be used for holding Government meetings and other programmes. The Department is working out a plan in this regard, he added.