Three-member Central team assesses flood damage in Kumari dist
MADURAI: A three-member Central team inspected several areas that were affected by floods during the recent rains in Kanniyakumari district on Monday.
The team, comprising Bhavya Pandey, assistant director, Ministry of Power, CEA Sewa Bhavan, New Delhi, Thangamani, director, Ministry of Water Resources, CWC, Chennai and RB Kaul, consultant, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure (FCD), initially inspected Pillaipethan anaicut at North Thamaraikulam, where the river bund had breached. Subsequently, the team made spot assessments at Kumaracoil, where a canal bund suffered breach and a road was cut off due to floods and at Peyankuzhi, where similar damages were reported.
S Venkatesh, liaison officer, who accompanied the team, while talking to reporters at Kumaracoil, said that the Central team visited different areas affected by rains and received petitions from the public. After ascertaining the extent of damage caused by floods, the team would submit a final report to the Centre.
When asked whether all damages caused by floods were ascertained, Kanniyakumari Collector M Arvind, who also accompanied the team, said paddy crops in around 75 hectares suffered damage, but full assessment of crop damage was yet to be over.
Further, the Collector said still water had to be drained in some paddy fields. Similarly, banana plantations were damaged in 45 hectares. Apart from damage caused to infrastructure, roads were also badly affected in many parts. “Around
Rs 100 crore for temporary restoration will be needed and the district administration has also sought Rs 250 crore to execute permanent restoration works,” Arvind said. He said to increase capacity in Pothigai dam and Thovalai channel, a team would study their conditions and proposals would be sent.
Vijay Vasanth, Kanniyakumari MP, met the team and submitted a memorandum seeking funds to the tune of Rs 260 crore as immediate relief from the Centre to carry out restoration works.