Court seeks Centre’s report on cyclone-hit areas

MADURAI: The

Madurai

bench of the Madras high court has sought the central government’s expert committee report on Cyclone Gaja affected areas in the state.


The court has also impleaded the TNSTC (

Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation

) officials after it was pointed out by one of the petitioners that the buses were not operated in interior areas in Dindigul. A division bench of justice K K Sasidharan and justice P D Audikesavalu issued the directions while hearing a batch of petitions on Cyclone Gaja.

The state government had earlier filed an additional status report before the bench on the steps taken by the various departments for rehabilitation in the aftermath of Cyclone Gaja after a division bench passed interim orders last week with specific instructions. The status/compliance report filed by the commissioner, revenue and disaster management department stated that the government has announced one lakh multi-hazard resistant houses to be provided to those affected and has issues orders to provide tarpaulins as a temporary roof and other essential ration items as per the directions issued by the division bench.

The report also stated that men and materials from other districts and neighbouring states have been sourced for restoration of power supply in the affected districts. The state also submitted that water supply has been restored in all affected municipalities, town and village panchayats and as directed by the court, no household is denied of kerosene or food grains on the ground of non-availability of ration cards. The report also pointed out that the government has so far sanctioned over Rs 1401.1 crore as relief.

In its interim direction passed a week ago, the division bench observed that the central government should consider revising the SDRF norms for damage done to fishing boats and enhance compensation amount from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for partially damaged mechanized boats and also consider enhancing the amount of compensation for damaged engines and fishing nets as the normal life of fisherfolk has been severely affected.


Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.