THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government came up with the demand for the Rs 7,340 comprehensive package for Ockhi relief and reconstruction in consultation with various political parties and fishermen’s representatives. Earlier, the Chief Minister had submitted a memorandum seeking Rs 1,843 crore from Union Minister Rajnath Singh.
In his detailed speech on Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the need for a special package for state. Chief Secretary K M Abraham in his presentation made detailed proposals about disaster relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and a scientific warning system.
Cyclone Ockhi had its biggest impact in the state capital. Post cyclone Kerala should also be included in the list of states which needed relief and rehabilitation due to natural calamities. The state has got a thick population along its 590 km coastline. Therefore, cyclone and sea erosion will have a major impact on the lives of the people.
Considering this, short-term and long-term projects should be implemented in the state to mitigate the impact of natural calamities. That is why the state needs a special package in addition to assistance from the National Disaster Relief Fund, the Chief Minister said.
The state has about 8 lakh people with fishing as livelihood. Cyclone Ockhi had its biggest impact in the state capital. Those who became disabled due to injuries should be given Rs 5,000 as monthly pension. Also the dependents of the deceased should be given assistance to find alternate livelihood.
Pinarayi pointed out that Fishermen facing the threat of sea erosion need to be rehabilitated. The Rs 3,303 crore assistance was sought to meet all these expenses. Ockhi also pointed to the need for having an early warning system to alert about natural disasters.