People's Democracy

CPI(M) Expresses Solidarity With People Of Tamil Nadu

Resolution adopted by the central committee at its December 14-16, 2005 meeting on the Flood Situation in Tamilnadu

THE entire state of Tamilnadu has been reeling under severe flood caused by North-East monsoon during the past two months. The unprecedented rainfall caused by successive cyclonic storms and bay depressions lashed the state marooning scores of villages and causing damage to life and property not seen for over 75 years.

 Consequent to this, normal life was affected in 22 coastal and adjoining districts out of the total 30 districts. Chennai, Cuddalore, Pondicherry, Nagapattinam and Thiruvallore are the worst affected by floods. All lakes and ponds breached their bunds engulfing inhabitations around. More than 50 per cent of the Chennai city’s population is yet to return to normal life and activity. The arterial grand southern trunk road connecting Chennai with the south was completely cut off for more than 5 days during November 24 to 28. During the same period the train services in the route was also disrupted for 5 days because of breaches in the Dindigul and Villupuram sectors. More than 450 people had lost their lives and property worth thousands of crores went down under water. Numerous lives of cattle and other livestock too perished in the floods. Paddy crop and cash crops like sugar-cane and banana cultivated in lakhs of hectares of land in these districts were completely washed away.

The state government, political parties and welfare organisations were in the forefront in rendering rescue and relief work. However, the suffering of the common people could not be mitigated due to the sheer magnitude of the calamity. The state government had sought for an assistance of Rs 12685 crore from the National Calamity Relief Fund. So far the centre had released two installments of Rs.500 crores each and additional drawings of kerosene. The central government has to immediately assess the extent of damage and release more aid and assistance.

The state government on its part has to mobilise all its resources and extend assistance to the flood affected people. This is an unprecedented calamity and people were caught unawares and lost everything. Suitable compensation for loss of life and property has to be released. For those who had lost their crops sufficient compensation and help must be extended. For those who had lost their house and hutments, the government must initiate steps to build housing colonies. Long term plans for maintaining the lakes and water courses must be immediately evolved and necessary funding is allotted to such community activities. Damages caused to infrastructure like roads, bridges and railways have to be set right on a war footing. The state government must immediately convene an all-party meeting to discuss the rehabilitation strategy and it’s funding.

The CPI(M) expresses its heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who have lost their lives in this calamity throughout the state. The state committee of the party has already sent an amount of Rs Two lakh to the chief minister’s fund. The leaders of the Party had visited all districts affected by the floods. Also, various district committees and its leaders are in the forefront of helping the flood-affected people. We express our solidarity with the people of the state at this hour of unprecedented crisis.