Minister tells officials to clear uprooted trees

Cyclone Gaja wreaked havoc in Dindigul, especially in the hill station, on November 16 causing unprecedented destruction to the green cover.

After inspecting the cyclone-hit areas in Kodaikanal taluk on Saturday, the Minister lauded the efforts of Tangedco employees and said that they toiled day and night to restore power supply nearly after a gap of 10 days.

During his visit, the Minister met farmers, who lost their crops and said adequate steps would be taken to provide compensation for damages caused to their crops. The aggrieved farmers demanded the Minister to recommend for crop loan waiver. For that the Minister replied, “The legitimate concerns on crop loan waiver will be taken to the attention of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.”

Further responding to demands placed by the local residents, he said efforts were being taken to prevent intrusion of elephants into human habitations. Besides, farm lands need to be protected by solar fencing, for which he instructed Collector TG Vinay and the Wildlife officials to initiate steps to provide solar fencing facility with subsidy.

To improve the livelihood of the local community, the Minister instructed the officials to complete provision of relief assistance soon. The Minister took stock of relief and restoration works in various parts of the district.