Date:29/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/29/stories/2006102906200600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Jayalalithaa criticises "lethargy" in flood relief

Special Correspondent

Government `failed' to warn fishermen

CHENNAI: Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has criticised the "lethargic attitude" of the State Government in carrying out relief measures in flood-hit Chennai and other places.

In a statement here on Saturday, she urged the Government to initiate relief measures on a war-footing.

She said the administration had failed to warn fishermen of Nagapattinam about an approaching cyclone in the region. Many fishermen ventured into the sea as usual and had not yet returned home. If something happened to them the Government must own moral responsibility.

Similarly, the "inordinate delay" on the part of the Government in declaring two-day holiday for schools on account of rain had inconvenienced parents, children and school managements, Ms. Jayalalithaa said.

Explaining the flood control and relief measures and advance warnings issued during her regime, she said this time round, Ministers and the officials concerned had not cared to visit flood-affected areas and initiate relief measures. During her rule, the Government machinery was geared up in full measure and people were evacuated from low-lying areas in time.

Criticising the lack of precautionary measures this year, Ms. Jayalalithaa said the DMK Government was indifferent to welfare measures and had no concern for people's interests.