TN seeks Rs 1,500 crore Central assistance

Tamil Nadu on Monday sought Central assistance to the tune of Rs 1,500 from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to tackle the situation arising from the flooding and damage caused by heavy rains in Chennai, its neighbourhood and coastal districts.

Disclosing this, Chief Minister K. Palaniswamy told reporters that Modi, with whom he discussed the situation, promised him all assistance from the Central government for relief and rehabilitation work.

He said the Prime Minister was apprised of the preparation of a plan to construct a drainage network to avoid flooding in Chennai, the neighbouring areas of Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts and in the coastal areas of Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur.

"Low lying areas in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts get water-logged during heavy rains.

"We told Prime Minister that around Rs.1,500 crore is needed to set up a basic infrastructure and permanent set-up to remove the water. He (Modi) said the central government would provide the necessary funds," Palaniswami said.

Asked about the complaint of absence of basic facilities in residential areas, Palaniswami said places like Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur were originally villages and residents had built their houses then, without permission. These areas were low-lying and hence there would be water-logging, but the government is removing the water, he said.

Earlier, on arrival from Delhi to attend the platinum jubilee celebrations of Tamil daily 'Dina Thanthi', Modi discussed the flood situation with the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and officials.

He also made an aerial inspection of some areas from the helicopter from the airport into the city.

"On landing in Chennai, Modi discussed the situation arising due to heavy rains and floods in Chennai and other parts... with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. He assured them all assistance from the Centre," the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet.

At the function, Modi expressed grief and condolences to the families of those who lost their lives due to heavy rains.

He also assured the state government all possible support by the central government to handle the situation arising out of heavy rains and floods here and in other parts of the state.

At least 14 persons lost their lives due to heavy rains in the state last week.

--IANS

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