Ker wants higher financial assistance to address sea erosion

Kerala government today asked the Centre to increase the financial assistance to states for taking up relief measures and rehabilitation of people affected by sea erosion in coastal regions.

""The amount now extended is very minimal and the Centre should reimburse the amount spent by the states for rehabilitation of affected people," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

He also said it was decided to give Rs.four lakhs each to those who lost their houses in the recent tidal wave attack in the state.

Besides, an amount of Rs.50,000 and Rs.15,000 would be given for carrying out repairs of major and minor damage to houses respectively.

" With a view to finding a permanent solution to the problems faced by coastal residents, he said the government planned to relocate people living in sea erosion prone areas.

" The government would extend Rs.six lakh for buying land and Rs.four lakh for construction of houses to those who want to move from the vulnerable areas, he said.

" However, he said the scheme would be implemented only with the consensus of the local people.

" It was decided to sanction the construction of tetrapods in the coastal regions to prevent coastal erosion as it had been found to be effective in checking tidal attacks, the chief minister said.

" State Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty said the government planned was to relocate people living within 50 meters distance from the sea.

" She said 35 houses were completely damaged in the tidal wave attack in Thiruvananthapuram district.

The district collectors had been asked to report on the damage caused in their respective areas, she said.