Chennai
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, in a pre-Union Budget meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, asked the central government to provide Rs 6,675 crore to the state from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) to meet temporary and permanent relief and rehabilitation needs after Cyclone Fengal. Has requested to release Rs.
Mr. Thennarasu, speaking at a meeting held in Jaisalmer on Friday, demanded allocation of pending funds from the Center for Chennai Metro Rail, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Railways and other projects to fulfill the aspirations of the people. He said Tamil Nadu faces frequent challenges from natural disasters including cyclones, torrential rains and unprecedented floods. Recently the state has been devastated by Cyclone Fengal. It affected 14 districts of the state and caused significant damage to lives, livelihoods and infrastructure.
He said that the intensity and frequency of these weather events have increased significantly. In some areas the cumulative rainfall of an entire year falls within 24 hours. He said that despite the state’s best efforts in planning and preparation, these climate anomalies are causing considerable economic stress and draining the state’s exchequer.
“Funds under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) have proven inadequate to meet immediate relief and long-term recovery needs,” he said. Therefore, I urge the Central Government to release an amount of Rs 6,675 crore under NDRF to meet the temporary and permanent relief and rehabilitation needs after Cyclone Fengal.”
