TN CM announces Rs 200 cr allocation for flood relief works

Chennai, Dec 24 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today announced allocation of Rs 200 crore to undertake flood relief works, after estimating the loss caused by the recent rains at Rs 1,500 crore.

After touring the flood-affected areas for the last two days, Mr Karunanidhi reviewed the situation with the officials and said preliminary estimates had put the loss at Rs 1,500 crore.

He said after getting detailed reports from the District Collectors, officials from various departments, the state government would write to the Centre within two days, seeking adequate financial assistance.

Meanwhile, to take up immediate relief works, the government has sanctioned Rs 200 crore, he said and asked the District Collectors and officials to take up the works immediately.

An official release said Mr Karunanidhi, who visited the flood-hit areas in Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Villupuram and Cuddalore districts, held a review meeting with the ministers concerned and officials at the State Secretariat today.

On behalf of the Highways Department, it was stated that about 10,650 km stretch of roads in 13 districts were badly damaged. As many as 62 bridges and 1,400 small bridges were also damaged in the rains. Roads have breached in 184 places.

The department would require about Rs 187 crore for carrying out the temporary repairing and Rs 702 crore for permanent repair works.

The Public Works Department said it would require Rs 123 crore to repair tanks, lakes, canals and rivers, which have breached during the recent rains.

It was estimated that about Rs 100 crore would be required to pay compensation to the fully damaged crops in various districts.

Various other departments said they require Rs 390 crore for undertaking various relief works.

In all, according to the preliminary estimates, the state had suffered a loss to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore, the release added.

UNI