Chennai, Dec 20 – In a bid to address the aftermath of unprecedented rains and cyclone impact, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin held a crucial meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The chief focus of the meeting was to declare the rain-affected areas in the state as a natural calamity and secure immediate financial aid for relief efforts.
Stalin submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Modi, urging an immediate release of Rs 9,033 crore for relief works in cyclone-hit Chennai and neighboring districts, including Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu. Additionally, he sought permanent relief of Rs 12,659 crore for the restoration of affected regions in Chennai and the surrounding districts.
The Chief Minister emphasized the unprecedented nature of the rainfall, especially in Chennai and neighboring areas, with the cyclone causing devastation not witnessed in 47 years. Moreover, he highlighted the extreme and very extreme rains in the southern districts of Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, and Kanniyakumari, which have caused extensive damages.
Stalin urged Modi to release an immediate interim assistance of Rs 7,033 crore for the severely impacted districts, in addition to a separate allocation of Rs 2,000 crore for the rain-battered four southern districts. The total interim assistance sought amounted to Rs 9,033 crore.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister requested Prime Minister Modi to declare the rain calamity in the state as a national disaster, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Meanwhile, a Central team, led by a top official, has landed in Madurai to inspect the rain-affected southern districts. The team’s visit is expected to provide insights into the extent of the damages caused by the record rains.
In response to the Central team’s visit, Stalin has postponed his planned tour to the flood-hit southern districts, rescheduling it for Thursday. The Chief Minister will review the flood situation, visit Madurai, and subsequently travel to Tuticorin and Tirunelveli for an on-the-spot assessment of the damages caused by the heavy rains.
After the visit and a meeting with the Central team, Chief Minister Stalin is expected to prepare a detailed report on the damages in the southern districts and seek additional Central funds for rescue and rehabilitation efforts, complementing the earlier request for Rs 12,659 crore for Chennai and its neighboring districts.
