Chidambaram praises corporates for helping flood hit

Bagalkot (Karnataka), Nov 2 : Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram Monday lauded the corporate sector for coming forward to build houses and other facilities for the flood affected in north Karnataka.

"I appreciate corporates are giving back to the society which sustains them," the minister said here after laying the foundation stone for relocation of Shirabadagi village in Bagalkot district, about 500 km from Bangalore.

Bagalkot was one of the worst affected districts in the Sep 30-Oct 2 rain and flash floods that killed over 220 people and damaged more than 500,000 houses. Out of the state's 29 districts, 18 were hit by the rain and floods.

Shirabadagi village is being relocated at a higher and safer place with the help of R.C. Foundation of Rajya Sabha member and entrepreneur Rajeev Chandrasekar, biotech major Biocon and other corporate bodies.

Chidambaram told the villagers the central government would provide all help for their rehabilitation.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, several of his cabinet colleagues, state Congress president R.V. Deshpande and Rajeev Chandrasekhar were present at the function.

The Karnataka government plans to relocate around 220 villages that are inundated almost every year during the monsoon.

Yeddyurappa has sought Rs.6,600 crore immediate relief from the central government, which has granted Rs.1,000 crore as interim relief.