While affirming commitment of the district administration to stand by the flood-affected in Dakshina Kannada, Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil S. on Thursday asked people to join hands with the State government in rebuilding the lives of those affected in the district.
In his Independence Day address, after unfurling the national flag at the Nehru Maidan here, Mr. Senthil said that in the last one week the State has received a record rainfall which is the highest in the last 100 years. This has resulted in floods that has caused extensive damage to houses, farmland, roads and other communication infrastructure. “Loss is unbearable for the victims. It is our responsibility to rebuild their lives,” he said.
The district administration, he said, has already started restoration and rehabilitation work.
The State government has released ₹ 48.29 crore for 918 works that have been taken up.
He thanked personnel from the National Disaster Response Force and members from other agencies involved in the rescue operations. Mr. Senthil also lauded the services of government employees and members of various social organisations who are working in disaster relief.
Amid rain
Mr. Senthil hoisted the national flag at 9 a.m. amid heavy rain.
The India Meteorological Department had forecast widespread heavy rain in Mangaluru and other parts of the district on Thursday.
The district administration had arranged for makeshift shelters in the maidan for members of 20 teams that took part in the ceremonial parade at the maidan.
Following heavy rain, Mr. Senthil skipped the guard of honour and immediately proceeded to deliver the ceremonial address. As rain abated, Mr. Senthil inspected the ceremonial parade that was led by Probationary Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivanand S. Madarakandi.
The first team in the parade was the one from Karnataka State Reserve Police, which was followed by personnel from District/City Armed Reserve, Civil Police, Women Police, Coastal Security Police, Home Guards, Fire and Emergency Services, NCC Senior and Junior Wings from the Army and the Air Force, NCC Naval Wing, Loyola Scouts team from St. Aloysius College, Guides team from Vyasamaharshi School, Mulky, and students from Government High Primary Schools in Balmatta and Kavoor. Bands from KSRP and District Armed Reserve were also part of the parade.
The NCC Air Wing Senior team was adjudged the best marching team, while the NCC Naval Wing was adjudged the runners-up.
