The New Indian Express 20.12.2010
Waterlogging: Stress on long-term solutions
THOOTHUKUDI: The Central team visiting rain-affected districts on Saturday stressed on the need for long-term plans for Thoothukudi. “We will recommend to the Union Government to go in for planning and implementation of long-term solutions for the city as Thoothukudi is situated below the sea level,” said the team here. The team comprising Director in charge of Department of Agriculture K Manoharan, Superintending Engineer in Central Water Commission R Thangamani and Superintending Engineer in Department of Road Transport Digvijay Mishra visited the Thoothukudi Corporation area first and later proceeded to rain-affected areas in Vilathikulam and Ettayapuram taluk. Briefing reporters, the team members said the problem of rainwater stagnation in residential areas called for proper drainage facilities. The team acknowledged that the district was badly affected by the rains. “The district administration has demanded Rs 255 crore for carrying out relief measures in the district. Of this, Rs 28 crore was sought for executing immediate relief measures,” team members said.
“Our recommendations to the Centre will include execution of works on both temporary and permanent basis,” they added. Earlier, the team visited Soorangudi, Kumarasakkanapuram, Pillaiyarnatham, Padarnthapuli among other villages and interacted with the affected farmers. The Central team also acknowledged that crop damage suffered in the district was severe, to the tune of Rs 15 crore. “The State government has given Rs 8 crore, of which R1.5 crore was disbursed to people as assistance,” the team underlined.
Minister for Social Welfare P Geetha Jeevan and Thoothukudi Corporation Mayor R Kasthuri Thangam accompanied the team in areas within the corporation limits.
