‘Disaster plan focuses on tackling urban flood’

“The plan is a milestone in mitigating natural calamities and aims at minimising the effects of flood in Chennai by focusing on the conservation of important water bodies such as Pallikaranai marsh and Ennore creek,” said the minister.

The recently-released plan was drawn up based on many international conventions and national policies such as Sendai Framework, Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Change Agreement and the National Disaster Management plan of 2016. 

Udhayakumar said that the plan has comprehensively covered several aspects including disaster preparedness, disaster response, relief and rehabilitation, mainstream disaster risk and financial agreements. 

The plan also places importance on the need for conservation of natural resources, comprehensive management of river basins, management of ecosystems, sustainable agriculture development, mainstreaming disaster, social inclusion and integrated development of vulnerable areas.

The minister said the plan aims to conserve ground water by keeping a check on the exploitation of natural resources, improving the structural and non-structural features in flood prone districts of Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari. 

“Steps would be taken to prevent urban flood in Greater Chennai and its urban neighbourhood. Sea water incursion in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Cauvery delta districts would be prevented,” said Udhayakumar. 

Special attention would be given to contain forest fire and landslides in districts such as the Nilgris, Theni, Krishnagiri, Vellore, Villupuram and Dindigul. 

Further, a detailed circular has been sent to all districts on the steps required to be taken before, during and after the North East monsoon season which is set to commence in October and last till December, Udhayakumar said.