Madikeri: Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that as Mysuru and Kodagu districts are repeatedly facing natural calamities over the past few years, it has been decided to form a SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) unit that is specific to the two districts.

He was speaking to press persons after holding a meeting at Kodagu SP office at Madikeri yesterday.

Pointing out that Kodagu SP has been directed to submit a proposal in this regard, Bommai said that the exclusive unit will help in immediately responding to the disasters and crisis caused by natural calamities.

Referring to the issue of Naxalites, the Home Minister said that the Police Department has taken all precautionary measures in the border districts for curbing Naxal menace. Noting that it has been planned to set up more Anti-Naxal posts, he said that the Home Ministry has approved other plans for tackling the menace.

Bommai said that he is in touch with the Chief Minister, Home Minister and the District Minister for payment of higher compensation to those who died of elephant trampling in Kodagu district.

Stating that the Police Department has taken all measures for putting an end to drug peddling, he also said that the Police have been asked to keep a higher vigil on illegal cattle transportation, especially in the border districts.

Replying to a query on Police vacancies, he said that there are many vacancies at the lower level and it has been planned to fill up 70 percent of the vacancies this year and the rest in next year.

Stressing on the need for the Police to be in constant touch with the people as Kodagu is a hilly district, with scattered location of houses, he said that the Police have been asked to curb all sorts of crimes in the district.

He lauded Kodagu Police for their job during floods and in the battle against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

IGP (Southern Range) Vipul Kumar, Kodagu SP Kshama Mishra, Dy.SPs Dinesh Kumar, Shailendra and Jayakumar and other Policemen were present.