Villages threatened by floods will be permanently shifted, says minister in Bagalkot

Minister Vijayanand Kashappanavar distributes food packets to fire victims at Iddalagi village in Bagalkot district on Tuesday (September 1). | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The state government will take steps to shift to safer places in villages that are at risk of flooding, Bagalkot district in-charge minister Vijayanand Kashappanavar told reporters in the district on September 2, 2026.

On September 1, 2026, he visited families whose sheds were damaged in a fire at Iddalagi village in Hunagund taluk. “I told the victims that steps will be taken to completely relocate vulnerable villages like Iddalagi. I inspected the fire damage and consoled the affected families. We distributed food packets to the families. The district administration will set up relief camps until their sheds are rebuilt and the establishment of rehabilitated villages is complete,” he said. As many as 28 sheds of flood victims were burnt in an accidental fire on 31 August 2026.

“Flood victims have been living in makeshift shelters for many years. The fire completely destroyed the cereals, clothes, stationery and important documents they had in their shelters. After a comprehensive assessment of the damage by the officials, measures will be taken to provide adequate compensation to the victims as per government rules. Urgent steps will be taken to construct a temporary shelter at the same place until the affected families are relocated,” he said.

Mr. Kashappanavar said there was some delay in distribution of land rights to the victims and provision of basic amenities at the rehabilitation center. However, steps will be taken to fully evacuate the village by providing necessary infrastructure. The main demand of the victims is that each family should get four guntas of land instead of one gunta. The demands of the victims will be communicated to the government and necessary changes will be made in the existing order, the minister promised.

“I have requested the Chief Minister to visit the district to study the drought situation in the district and fulfill the demands of the victims. He is likely to visit on September 4, 2026,” he said.

On 31 August 2026, fire victims raised slogans against Deputy Commissioner Sangappa for not fulfilling their demands for permanent resettlement and rehabilitation. They also said that no officer met them when they protested in Bagalkot for 118 days earlier.

The minister said the victims ended their protest after he assured them of quick assistance.

Published – 02 Sep 2026 23:39 IST