Date:30/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/30/stories/2008113050570300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Ponmudy gives away compensation

Special Correspondent

VILLUPURAM: Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy on Saturday gave away compensation of Rs. 1 lakh each to the kin of four persons who died in rain-related incidents in Villupuram district.

He said that 13 persons died in the district in wall collapse, drowning and electrocution. Chief Minister M. Karuanidhi had ordered for Rs. 1 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased under the natural disaster and social security schemes, and for the houses damaged at the rate of Rs. 2,000 each.

Later, Mr. Ponmudy, accompanied by Collector R. Palanisamy, inspected the Manimuktha Dam at Sankarapuram from which 10,000 cusecs of water was being released.

Though Sitheri at Kallakurichi was getting copious flow because of faulty sluices, water could not be released. Mr. Ponmudy directed the officials to repair the sluices without delay and keep the storage at a safe level.