Pondy to give compensation to tsunami-hit fertile lands

Puducherry, Apr 27 (UNI) The administration would provide adequate compensation to those whose fertile lands were affected by the tsunami, Agriculture Minister V Vaithilingam told the Assembly today.

Replying to a question, Mr Vaithilingam said the assistance had already been provided for 816.45 hectare in Karaikal and 85.96 hectare in Puducherry.

In a survey immediately after the tsunami, it was found that 1,045 hectare in Karaikal and 100 hectare in Puducherry were affected.

However a re-survey in Puducherry showed an additional 130.66 hectare of fertile land and 68.10 barren land were also affected.

To another question, Mr Vaithilingam said the administration would consider waiver of penal interest on power dues from sick industrial units here after the formation of power tariff regulatory authority. Under the present regulations, the administration could not waive the penal interest, he added.

UNI