Chikkamagaluru: Deputy commissioner Bhanwar Singh Meena has directed agriculture and horticulture officials to submit a comprehensive report on crop damage caused by rains and ensure full compensation to affected farmers. During his visit to Sringeri taluk, the DC inspected damaged roads, agricultural fields and retaining walls.He chaired a meeting with officials at the taluk office. Meena instructed officials to raise nurseries for arecanut, coffee, pepper and spices and distribute saplings to farmers. If there is a shortage of land for nurseries, proposals should be submitted immediately for allotment, he said.Of the 1,800 hectares available for paddy cultivation, sowing has been completed only on 1,000 hectares. The remaining area should be covered at the earliest, he added. Expressing concern over low enrolment under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, the DC asked officials to conduct a two-day campaign in every gram panchayat. Many paddy fields have been damaged by rain and farmers with insurance coverage will benefit, he said.The under-construction 100-bed hospital in the town should be completed soon. A ‘Namma Clinic’ should be started in the old hospital building in the town centre, he directed. Of 105 anganwadi centres in the taluk, four in the town lack their own buildings. The town panchayat must identify land for them immediately, he said.As Sringeri is a major pilgrimage and tourist destination, surrounding tourist spots must be developed. The joint survey by revenue and forest departments has been completed in 34 villages. The survey in the remaining 15 villages must be completed by Sept 15, the DC said. He suggested utilising social forestry department staff due to a shortage of personnel.Earlier, the IAS officer visited a paddy field in Nallur, Kigga temple and Sirimane waterfalls to assess rain damage. Tahsildar Anup Sanjog and other officials were present.
