Theni toll rises to 10; CM orders probe
Theni (TN), March 12: The toll in the forest fire in Theni district rose to 10 on Monday as the Tamil Nadu government ordered a probe into it and assured action against those who allegedly arranged for the expedition without permission.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami said 10 persons — seven women and three men — were killed in the fire at Kurangani Hill ranges in Western Ghats and expressed grief over the deaths.
While seven of the victims were from Chennai, others were from Erode district, he said in a statement.
“I was anguished to know that 10 persons were killed in the forest fire,” the CM said.
Palaniswami announced a solatium of `4 lakh to each of the families of the deceased, Rs one lakh to the grievously injured and `50,000 to those with simple injuries.
While directing a probe into the incident, the Chief Minister said action should be initiated against those who arranged for the trek without Forest department’s permission.
The district administration and health department officials had been instructed to ensure best medical treatment to those admitted to local hospitals, he said.
He also prayed for their swift recovery. Palaniswami said soon after he came to know of the fire on Sunday, he directed steps for their safe rescue. Deputy O. Panneerselvam and the others oversaw the operations, he said.
His cabinet colleagues — revenue minister R.B. Udayakumar and health minister C. Vijayabaskar, besides some senior officials, were camping in that area.
While state rescue agencies, including Fire department rescued 26 stranded persons, the Centre also deployed defence helicopters and commando forces during the operations,he said.
Palaniswami earlier in the day said the trekkers caught in the fire did not have permission for the expedition.
A 36-MEMBER team — 24 people from Chennai and 12 from Tiruppur and Erode districts — had embarked on the trekking expedition and reached Kurangani hills on March 10.