Date:09/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/09/stories/2008110953670300.htm

Other States - Puducherry

60 houses in Sholai Nagar destroyed in fire

Staff Reporter

— Photo: T.Singaravelou

TIMELY ASSISTANCE: Social Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy distributing relief materials to victims of the fire at Sholai Nagar.

PUDUCHERRY: Around 60 houses in Sholai Nagar were destroyed in a fire on Friday night.

According to fire personnel, the cause of the fire could not be established at the moment.

On Saturday, Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam visited the village and made arrangements to accommodate the affected persons in temporary shelters.

Relief materials distributed

Following a direction from Mr. Vaithilingam, Social Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy, along with Revenue officials, distributed financial assistance and relief materials to those who had lost their houses.

Collector G. Ragesh Chandra told The Hindu that a sum of Rs. 7,000 and a cheque for Rs. 3,000 were handed over to each affected family.

They were also provided bed sheets and dress material.

Housing programme

The Collector said that the families were already included in the housing programme under the tsunami rehabilitation.

Around 130 houses were being constructed for them by the Maharashtra government, which would be ready for occupation in a few months.