Date:28/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/28/stories/2005122800640500.htm

Kerala - Alappuzha

Rehabilitation work progressing

A. Harikumar

763 houses being built at Arattupuzha for tsunami vicitms

ALAPPUZHA: The rehabilitation work being carried out by various non-governmental organisations and other groups under the supervision of the Alappuzha district administration is progressing in Arattupuzha, where more then 30 people were killed in the tsunami that hit the shores of the panchayat on December 26, 2004.

The State Government had approved construction of 763 houses in the panchayat. The agencies entrusted with the work include the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, the Quilon Social Service Society, the World Vision, the Malayala Manorama group, the Deepika-Shobha group, the CPI(M) and the Seva Bharati. These groups have completed the construction of nearly 450 houses. The agencies that have completed the construction of houses include the CPI(M) and the Amritanandamayi Math.

All the houses are being constructed as per a plan approved by the district administration. Almost all houses are constructed at a cost Rs.2.5 to Rs.3 lakhs. They are being built in the panchayat itself. The agencies bought land for constructing houses for those who lived in the beach area. Those who owned plots in areas other than the beach will get their houses constructed there.

The State Government's five temporary shelters for the tsunami-affected in Arattupuzha are still there. Around 250 persons are still in the camps. A large number of people in the camps have moved out to newly built houses. The Government is distributing fishing boats and nets to the affected. The list of beneficiaries has been prepared by Matsyafed and the Fisheries Department. Meanwhile, the State Government recently started construction of a seawall from Tharayilkkadavu to Valiyazheekkal where severe calamities occurred. The roads in the panchayat that were destroyed in the tsunami are yet to be reconstructed. The construction of a bridge connecting Tharayilkkadavu in Arattupuzha with the mainland is progressing. This is expected to help the authorities evacuate people in case of any future emergency.

At Andhakaranazhy in the district where two persons were killed and several houses damaged, around 60 houses are being constructed. The Government is providing Rs.6,000 to around 100 persons whose houses were damaged.