Notice to government on relief works status in cyclone hit Dindigul dist

The public interest litigation (PIL) came up for hearing before the Division Bench of Justice KK Sasidharan and Justice PD Audikesavalu. In the PIL, petitioner Manoj Immanuel of Kodaikanal said that locals were affected due to Cyclone Gaja, which struck Kodaikanal and several other villages including Kilakku Chettipatty, Adukkam, Kamanur, Kookal, Mannavanur, Poomparai, Poondi and Thandigudi. 

He further added that several houses were damaged and vehicular traffic was also affected due to landslide on Batlagundu road. Besides, traffic on Palani road was also affected after trees fell down along the stretch. Electricity supply and telecommunication service were disrupted too, he noted in his petition. 

Citing these issues, the petitioner sought the execution of restoration works on damaged roads on a war footing. Moreover, he said that medical camps should be conducted and emergency ambulance vans must be made available. 

Further, the petitioner also sought a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to each of the victims who died due to the calamity and Rs 10 lakh to each of the injured. He also demanded adequate compensation for those who lost their houses. 

After hearing, the bench directed the Dindigul Collector to submit a report on relief and restoration works carried out in the cyclone affected areas and posted the case to further hearing on December 6.