CHENNAI: The edappadi K Palaniswami-led Tamil Nadu government has decided to press for Central funds when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits cyclone Ockhi-hit areas in Kanniyakumari district, for two major projects, including the one for setting up an integrated fishing harbour with marine food processing park in the district.
A high-level meeting of top authorities of the government, chaired by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami here on Sunday discussed the impact of ‘Ockhi’ and the relief measures being taken up, besides deliberating on disaster mitigation projects.
“In order to find a lasting solution to the problems of fisherfolk in Kanniykumari district, it is decided to choose a suitable site for setting up an integrated fishing harbour with telecommunication facilities and marine food processing park in the district and seek special funds from the Centre for the project,” an official release issued after the meeting said.
Similarly, it was also decided to seek Central funds, as promised by the Prime Minister, for a stormwater drainage by linking Adyar-Cooum-Buckingham canal so that flood risks could be mitigated in Chennai and its surrounding districts.
Tamil Nadu government would also press for declaring ‘Ockhi’ as a national calamity and provide funds in excess of the State disaster relief fund required for relief measures in Kanniyakumari district.
Senior ministers, including O Panneerselvam (Deputy CM), ‘Dindigul’ C Sreenivasan (Forests), P Thangamani (Electricity) and S P Velumani (Municipal Administration and Rural Development) and top officials participated in the meeting.
Top officials discussed the relief measures based on a report on the damage ‘Ockhi’ had caused, submitted by CRA, and resolved to ease the norms governing the State Disaster Relief Fund to allocate funds for taking up repair and renovation of the electricity network, roads and water bodies which bore the brunt of the cyclone.