'Udavum Karangal' hands over 72 houses to tsunami victims

Chennai, Dec 26 (UNI) Leading NGO 'Udavum Karangal' today handed over 72 houses to tsunami victims at the Kanathur Angalamman Kuppam in neighbouring Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu.

The keys of the houses were formally handed over to District Collector Pradeep Yadav at a function held at the village to mark the second anniversary of tsunami that ravaged the coastal districts of the state this day in 2004.

Veteran actor Sivakumar unveiled a plaque and Denver Sister Cities International Chairperson Docilla Dilger, a support group in US involved in rehabilitation measures, released a souvenir to mark the occasion.

'Udavum karangal' Founder Secretary Vidyakaar told UNI that the total project cost was Rs 2.5 crore and each house, measuring 410 sq ft, costed about Rs 2.5 lakh.

The NGO had adopted the village soon after the tsunami and it took nearly one year to complete the permanent housing project, in which the houses were designed as per the guidelines of the state government.

He said the NGO had planned to construct a community hall in the village at a cost of Rs 20 lakh.

UNI GV AJ SP KN1844