KOCHI: The all-party meet held to discuss the extent of the damage wreaked by cyclone Ockhi along the coast in Ernakulam district has decided to compile a comprehensive compensation package. To be submitted to the state government, the package will mainly consist of emergency relief measures needed. The major recommendations include the construction of a seawall, repairing the breakwaters (pulimuttu), reconstruction of safety walls and the rehabilitation of the families whose houses were destroyed in the cyclone.
The package also suggests compensation to those who have lost their means of livelihood. The suggestions put forth by people's representatives and local residents will also be included in the package.
The recommendations will be submitted to the Chief Minister when he visits Kochi on December 10 and 11. The meet was convened by District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla and S Sarma MLA.
In the meeting, Sarma said the Water Resources Department should prepare a separate plan for the reconstruction of the sea wall. "The rehabilitation of those who lost their houses should be ensured. For one week, all the families should be paid a fixed amount as financial support. The roads at Veliyathamparambu, Edavanakkad and Arattuvazhi are in a bad condition. The government has already allotted Rs 75 crore for the work of Vypeen-Munambam Coastal Road. However, the cyclone has caused severe damage to roads. Hence, a separate proposal will be included in the package for the reconstruction of the roads," he said.
The people's representatives attending the meeting demanded the safety walls should be constructed at least at a distance of 100m. "The projects should be completed in a time-bound manner," said Sarma. "The small canals through which the sea water is diverted at the time of high tides should be cleaned. It should be dredged to ensure the free flow of water. The width and height of the sea walls should be increased. The Central aid should be sought for the rehabilitation measures."
For the construction of the breakwaters and sea wall, technical expertise and a detailed study are required. "Discussions will be held with Chennai IIT in this regard. We will also recommend the government to utilise the unused funds in the Fishermen Welfare Scheme for the rehabilitation work," said Sarma.