Lok Sabha Debates
Regarding Cyclonic Storm ‘Gaja’ In Tamil Nadu. on 17 December, 2018
Sixteenth Loksabha an> Title: Regarding Cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ in Tamil Nadu.
SHRI P.R. SENTHILNATHAN (SIVAGANGA): The recent cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ has devastated Tamil Nadu severely affecting the Districts of Nagapattinam, Thanajvur, Tiruvarur, Pudukottai and Sivagangai. 63 people died and 10 lakh left homeless. It would affect the food security of the state as 10 lakh hectares of paddy fields have been destroyed. More than one crore Coconut trees along with Tamarind, Jack fruit, Cashew nut, Pappaya, Banana, Mango, Casuarina, and teak have been affected in the delta districts of Tamil Nadu. Besides, Flower gardens and Pepper plantations have been destroyed. 1.04 lakh cattle and birds perished, over 2.30 lakh electric poles were either uprooted or mangled.
The Tamil Nadu government had sought a Rs. 14,910 crore relief from centre besides seeking an immediate release of Rs,1500 crore towards renovation activities. Although the Tamil Nadu government had released Rs.1000 crore for immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts, The centre has sanctioned only Rs.350 crore as interim relief and 200 crore for compensatory measures for coconut farmers.
In Pudukkottai District, Thirvarankulam, Aranthangi, Arimalam, Thirumaiyam, Ponnamaravathi, Avudayarkoil, Manamelkudi Unions, Gandharvakkottai and Viralimalai assembly constituencies and Pudukkottai Town, Ponnamaravathy, Keeramangalam, Arimalam Town Panchayats were badly affected. The Unions of S.Pudur, Tirupattur, Sakkottai, Singampunari and Town Panchayats of Pallathur, Kanadukaththan (Chettinadu), Kottaiyur, Puduvayal, Kandanur, Nerkuppal, Karaikudi town in Sivagangai District were severely affected. The destruction is very severe and it will take several years for the situation to become normal.
I, therefore, urge the Government to provide immediate financial assistance to Tamil Nadu and also take necessary steps to deposit Rs.10,000/- for each of the affected families through their Jan Dhan Bank Accounts as an immediate relief measure.