Rs 100cr flood mitigation programme for areas under GCC limits

The Tamil Nadu government today proposed a Rs 100 crore flood-mitigation programme for areas falling under the Greater Chennai Corporation limits.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami informed the state assembly that during the northeast monsoon, certain areas, including those near Adyar, Cooum and Kosasthalai river beds faced flooding, and therefore the said proposal.

Accordingly, the government would identify areas facing the risk of more damage and take up various works, including creating link channels to nearby lakes to facilitate free flow of water during rains, deepening various water bodies and create a flood-control system, he said.

A sum of Rs 100 crore would be allocated in the current financial year for this purpose, he added.

Chennai and nearby areas had faced a deluge in 2015 following torrential rains during the then north east monsoon, prompting public calls for an effective flood management programme.

In a seperate announcement, Palaniswami proposed allocating a sum of Rs 1.50 crore towards giving a face-lift for state run Poompuhar showrooms in Chennai, Kolkata, Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur with an eye on attracting more consumers and boosting sales.

The Poompuhar showrooms showcase and sell handicratfs and other articles, mainly made by artisans.

Further, Poompuhar will hold annual 'Handifest' here in association with India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Export Promotion Council for Handicraft (EPCH).

The move was aimed at creating market opportunities for artisans and promote export and earn foreign exchange, he said while earmarking Rs two crore annually to conduct the event.