Date:02/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/02/stories/2008120257320600.htm

Tamil Nadu

Team of CPI(M) MLAs visits flood affected areas in delta districts

Special Correspondent

KUMBAKONAM: A team of CPI (M) MLAs led by N. Nanmaran (Madurai) has appealed to the Central government to declare the damages caused in the Cauvery delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam due to cyclone ‘Nisha’ and continuous rain for seven days as a ‘national diaster’ and provide relief.

The team comprising of MLAs G. Latha and V. Marimuthu visited flood affected areas around Kumbakonam on Monday.

The team saw the paddy crop, houses and roads damaged at Kallapuliyur in Kumbakonam panchayat union.

Extensive damage

Later Nanmaran told presspersons that paddy crops have been extensively damaged in the Cauvery delta districts.

Large number of houses and huts have been damaged. People affected by rain in Kallapuliyur were kept in the relief camp for only one day.

They were given food for only one day and sent to their homes. They should be provided adequate relief.

Strengthen river banks

River banks should be strengthened. Many children have lost their notebooks in the rain.

They should be provided notebooks.

Central team should visit the districts soon and give its assessment.

Mr. Nanmaran demanded payment of Rs. five lakh as solatium for the kin of those who lost their lives in the rain, Rs. 15,000 per acre of paddy damaged in the rain, Rs. 10,000 per acre for partly damaged paddy crop, provision of Rs. 1.5 lakh for construction of group houses instead of Rs. 55,000 being given now.

Adequate compensation should be given for damage caused to horticulture crops.