Date:03/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/03/stories/2008120360420700.htm

Tamil Nadu

CPI (M) seeks mega plan to desilt lakes, drainage systems

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The CPI (M) on Tuesday made a strong case for effective implementation of the rainwater harvesting programme, a mega plan to desilt hundreds of lakes, including the Veeranam lake in Cuddalore, and drainage systems for Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur districts to prevent floods.

Talking to reporters, the party’s State secretary N.Varadarajan said though the State had implemented rainwater harvesting, it was not done properly.

Pointing out that more than 70 per cent of the rainwater was going to the sea, he said construction of check-dams across the rivers in the State would not only raise the ground water table but also prevent floods.

Mr. Varadarajan said the lakes in Cuddalore district should be desilted to increase their capacity. “No one knows when the Veeranam tank was last desilted.”

He said the Rs.100 crore allotted by the State government for flood relief was meagre.

“The government should give Rs.5000 each to all those whose houses were damaged. It should supply 30 kg rice, 10 litre kerosene, 2 kg sugar, essential commodities and vegetables to the families affected by floods.”

Mr.Varadarajan also demanded a master plan to revamp the sewerage network and storm water drains in Chennai.

Alliance

Asked about the party’s stand on alliance vis-À-vis the AIADMK, he said no decision had been taken so far. “The party’s general secretary Prakash Karat will attend the state secretariat meeting on December 4 and State committee meet on December 5. A decision on alliance will be taken at the meeting.”