Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in-and-around Chennai, Tamil Nadu that were devasted by rainfall caused by Cyclone Michuang. Singh also held a meeting with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu MK Stalin and reviewed the current situation.
Talking to reporters after the aerial survey, the Union Minister announced that the Centre has approved the first urban flood mitigation project for Chennai. Rs 561.29 crore, which includes central assistance of Rs 500 crore, will be provided for ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project’ under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund.
Conducted an aerial survey of flood affected areas in Chennai and nearby rural areas. pic.twitter.com/0zl8HbMbdC
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 7, 2023
Rajnath Singh also stated that the Central and state governments are together putting up an effective response to mitigate the crisis. He added that Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other central agencies are assisting the state government in the relief and rescue operations and leaving no stone unturned to bring back normalcy, the Defence Ministry informed.
The Union Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is deeply distressed by loss of lives due to the cyclone and he is closely reviewing the situation.
“The Prime Minister spoke with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and has assured all possible help from the Central Government. He has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to release in advance the central share of the second installment of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) of Rs 493.60 crore to Andhra Pradesh and Rs 450 crore to Tamil Nadu. The Centre had already released its first installment of the same amount to both the states,” Rajnath Singh said.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had earlier written to PM Modi requesting an interim relief of Rs 5060 crore for immediate restoration efforts. “I have detailed the severe impacts on Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu in my recent letter. Our infrastructure is severely hit, impacting lakhs, and many are struggling with floodwaters,” he wrote in a post on X.
Stalin had also said that the TN government was in the process of preparing a comprehensive report to assess the need for further funds, ensuring a thorough recovery and assured that with unity, the State will emerge stronger from this adversity.
On Thursday, the CM thanked Rajnath Singh for visiting Chennai and requested for his support in “immediately releasing ₹5,060 Cr as interim relief to rectify the damage incurred.”
“I hope he will ensure that Tamil Nadu receives the necessary support and assistance for a resilient recovery,” Stalin added.
