Rao asks for report on Padkai scheme

Making it clear that Padkai scheme was implemented in a relatively small part of Malin village, district collector Saurabh Rao informed that he has sought reports from the chief conservator of forests and agriculture department on all the issues including industrial projects in the Bhimashankar area.
While addressing a press conference, Rao said that Padkai scheme has been in discussion after the Malin tragedy but a relatively small portion of the village is under this scheme. He said that under the Padkai scheme, the irrigation department undertakes the water and soil conservation programme. The Geological Survey of India experts had addressed a press conference a few days back where they did not ruled out the impact of Padkai scheme work resulting in such tragedies.
Rao also made it clear that Malin is spread over Malin Gavthan and seven hamlets or wadis and Padkai work has been undertaken on a relatively small part of the whole village. He said that he has also sought a report from the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) work since the Padkai scheme work is undertaken through the EGS.
Replying to a question as to which agency would inquire in to the entire incident of landslide, the collector said, "If at all an inquiry is needed, the government was competent of deciding on it."

 Compensation amount
Rao made it clear that all the next of kin of every deceased would receive Rs5 lakh from state government and Rs2 lakh from the Centre. He said that with the help of GSI experts, there is a need for preparing a module for educating, informing and creating awareness about such incidents to residents of such difficult terrains.