Improper desilting works played havoc in dists, charges Stalin

Visiting Cyclone Gaja ravaged regions in Nagapattinam, Stalin said, that Tamil Nadu had already faced similar natural calamities like Tsunami, cyclones of Thane, Vardha, Ochki and the present Gaja. Since the precautionary works initiated by the state government helped to reduce the death toll, the government should have accelerated the works to ensure the availability of basic amenities tothe people.

“The present damages show that the lack of desilting works also aided in the destruction caused by the cyclone. I appeal to the government initially to provide power supply and safe return to the one lakh people to their houses from relief camps,” Stalin stressed.

Meanwhile, he reminded that the Chief Minister has been promising to initiate works on war footing. “He should act as per his words,” Stalin said.

Stalin appealed to the state government to increase the compensation of Rs 10 lakh provided to the victims’ kin to Rs 25 lakh and government employment to the family members. He also criticised the ministers, who failed to reach out to the people fearing that they would be besieged.