Congress seeks L-G’s intervention in providing flood assistance

The Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee has sought the intervention of Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan in providing proper relief to people affected by Cyclone Fengal in Puducherry.

A delegation from the PPCC, led by former Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy, on Wednesday, called on the Lt. Governor at Raj Nivas and submitted a memorandum requesting him to ensure that proper relief measures were given to affected persons. The region received record rainfall due to the impact of Cyclone Fengal. Even after the cyclone crossed Puducherry-Tamil Nadu coast, heavy rain continued in places up to Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu resulting in flooding of Pennaiyar and Sankaraparani rivers, the memorandum said. 

“We appreciate your visit to affected areas and you yourself witnessed the devastation caused due to floods. Almost the entire region witnessed disruption in power and water supplies. Farmers lost their crop and livestock in the floods. Several people lost valuable documents including ration card and Aadhaar card after rain water entered their dwelling units. Many residents are yet to get power and water supply. We request the Lt. Governor to take immediate steps to restore power supply, water supply and ensure essential items reach rural areas,” the memorandum said.

Referring to the relief package announced by the AINRC-BJP government, the Congress said the compensation declared by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy was meagre. The Congress wanted the government to provide a minimum of ₹10,000 to all families as rain relief. As the livelihood of fishermen was affected for 10 days, the families belonging to the community should be given a sum of ₹20,000. The compensation to farmers per hectare should be increased to ₹50,000, the memorandum said.

The PPCC also urged the Lt. Governor to constitute a technical team of experts to come out with flood mitigation measures for urban and rural areas. The team should study the possibility of storing excess water for better use during summer months, the memorandum said.

Published - December 12, 2024 12:03 am IST