New Delhi/ Chennai: MK Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to release Rs 2,000 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund in order to enable efforts to restore damaged public infrastructure and boost livelihoods in the southern regions of the state devastated by the recent flooding.
This interim relief will help provide livelihood assistance to the affected people and take up temporary rehabilitation works in the Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari and Tenkasi districts, Stalin said in a memorandum submitted to Modi in Delhi.
“While a comprehensive assessment of the permanent damage will take time, we request an interim assistance of Rs 2,000 crore from the NDRF (National Disaster Relief Fund) to bolster the ongoing efforts for livelihood support and repairs and restoration of the public infrastructure battered by the unprecedented floods,” he said in the memorandum.
Later, in a post on X, Stalin said, “Met with Hon’ble Prime Minister Thiru @NarendraModi to discuss the urgent situation in flood-hit areas of Tamil Nadu.” “Submitted a memorandum seeking funds from #NDRF to enhance ongoing rescue efforts and restore vital infrastructure. Grateful for the @PMOIndia’s attention to Tamil Nadu’s needs during these challenging times,” he added.
Additionally, Chennai and its suburbs were affected by Cyclone Michaung which triggered unprecedented heavy rain not witnessed in the past 47 years. Besides, the damage caused by heavy rain for the first time in 100 years in the four southern districts should be declared as a national calamity, he urged the prime minister.
Stalin requested early allocation of funds for the damage caused in the Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts by Cyclone Michaung.
He highlighted the damage caused by the heavy rain in the southern districts and said relief work is being carried out.
Necessary funds should be allocated quickly for repairing the damage, Stalin said in the memorandum, an official release in Chennai said.
Rescue and relief operations, along with the mobilisation of officers and State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force teams are underway in these four districts. Relief material distribution was hindered by inundated roads and they are now being delivered using helicopters, he said.
With PTI inputs