Minister Santosh Lad Conducts On-Ground Assessment of Hailstorm Damage in Dharwad Village
District Minister Santosh Lad made a crucial visit to Machapur village in Kalghatgi taluk of Dharwad district on Monday, responding to the severe damage caused by a recent hailstorm. The minister's primary objective was to personally evaluate the destruction and extend immediate relief to the affected villagers who have been grappling with the aftermath of this natural calamity.
Comprehensive Damage Inspection and Relief Distribution
During his extensive tour of the village, Minister Lad meticulously inspected numerous damaged houses, engaging directly with residents to gain a thorough understanding of their losses and the pressing challenges they face. He conducted a detailed review of the relief measures already implemented and actively enquired about the urgent needs of families whose homes and livelihoods have been disrupted.
As a significant relief initiative, the Santosh Lad Foundation distributed 50,000 roof tiles to assist families in repairing their damaged houses and securing temporary shelter. The minister personally assessed the impact of this substantial support during his visit, ensuring the materials were reaching those most in need.
Government Assurance and Official Directives
Addressing the gathered villagers, Minister Lad provided firm assurances that both the district administration and the state government stand firmly with them during this difficult period. He issued clear directives to officials from the agriculture and horticulture departments, instructing them to conduct a joint survey of every affected agricultural field and submit a comprehensive damage assessment report at the earliest possible opportunity.
Emphasizing the critical importance of timely assistance, the minister specifically instructed that compensation be disbursed promptly to eligible farmers based on accurate and thorough assessments. Demonstrating this commitment, during the visit he personally distributed compensation cheques of Rs 20,000 each to three beneficiaries who suffered livestock losses due to the hailstorm:
- Kalkappa Basavantappa Hurakadli
- Ningappa Tippanna Ramanakoppa
- Nagappa Fakirappa Indur
Agricultural Damage Assessment and Future Measures
The minister also visited farmlands within the village to conduct a firsthand inspection of the extensive damage to crops, including significant losses to sugarcane, maize, and mango plantations. Farmers highlighted additional losses to critical agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation pipes, farming equipment, and arecanut saplings that had been prepared for planting.
In response to these findings, Minister Lad directed officials to conduct a detailed survey of both crop damage and infrastructure destruction, with instructions to submit a comprehensive report to the district administration for further action planning. The minister was accompanied during his visit by key district officials including Deputy Commissioner Snehal R, Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhuvanesh Patil, Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya, and other administrative representatives, ensuring coordinated relief efforts across departments.
