Rain victims assured compensation

SATARA, Oct 13: District guardian minister Harshavardhan Patil took stock of the damage caused by the incessant rain in Satara district during the last two weeks to houses, crops and human life and announced immediate relief and government compensation to the victims.

Speaking to media persons, the minister said: “Damage was more in Mann and Khatav talukas. The losses will be compensated as per the new government GR,” he said. “People will get full compensation wherever the rainfall exceeds 65 mm a day. The people with house damage will be paid Rs. 2400 as subsidy and Rs. 9500 as loan for repairs. Rs. 450 as subsidy and Rs. 12000 as loan will be given for rebuilding houses. Hutment dwellers will be paid Rs. 2700 as subsidy and Rs. 9000 as loan. The loans are to be repaid.”The kin of the dead will get Rs. 50,000. However, the kin of the victims of lightning will get Rs. 10,000.

The minister said death by by lightning is a calamity death and he would urge the chief minister to pay Rs. 50,000 compensation to the kin of lightning victims. He assured appropriate compensation for loss of crops, electric and oil pump sets and damage to drinking water projects, lakes and tanks.”

Twelve persons died in the district during the monsoon. Of them 10 were claimed by lightning. The damages to houses was assessed at Rs. 32.2 lakh, said the minister. Crop on about 422 hectares worth Rs. 24.65 lakh was damaged, he said.All the three dams in the district Koyna, Dham and Kanheri — are full and authorities have opened the sluice gates to release water.