Date:30/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/30/stories/2008113051160300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Cuddalore

CPI (M) for permanent solution to flood menace

Special Correspondent

CUDDALORE: A study team of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) led by T.K. Rangarajan, MP, and K. Balakrishnan of the Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association, visited rain-affected areas in Cuddalore district on Saturday.

Speaking to presspersons here, they said that flood was a recurring phenomenon and therefore, instead of taking piecemeal measures year after year, the government should concentrate on finding a permanent solution.

Mr. Balakrishnan said that almost 80 per cent of samba paddy crops, all in flowering stage, were submerged. The committee had put forth a demand that compensation for paddy loss should be fixed at Rs. 15,000 an acre and for damaged houses at Rs. 5,000 instead of Rs. 2,000.

He further said that many of the affected areas went without drinking water. The officials were supplying only rice and since other provisions were not available, the affected people could not prepare food.