Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

CPI (M) seeks mega plan to desilt lakes, drainage systems

CHENNAI: The CPI (M) on Tuesday made a strong case for effective implementation of the rainwater harvesting programme, a mega plan to desilt hundreds of lakes, including the Veeranam lake in Cuddalore, and drainage systems for Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur districts to prevent floods.

Talking to reporters, the party’s State secretary N.Varadarajan said though the State had implemented rainwater harvesting, it was not done properly.

Pointing out that more than 70 per cent of the rainwater was going to the sea, he said construction of check-dams across the rivers in the State would not only raise the ground water table but also prevent floods.

Mr. Varadarajan said the lakes in Cuddalore district should be desilted to increase their capacity. “No one knows when the Veeranam tank was last desilted.”

He said the Rs.100 crore allotted by the State government for flood relief was meagre.

“The government should give Rs.5000 each to all those whose houses were damaged. It should supply 30 kg rice, 10 litre kerosene, 2 kg sugar, essential commodities and vegetables to the families affected by floods.”

Mr.Varadarajan also demanded a master plan to revamp the sewerage network and storm water drains in Chennai.

Asked about the party’s stand on alliance vis-À-vis the AIADMK, he said no decision had been taken so far.

“The party’s general secretary Prakash Karat will attend the state secretariat meeting on December 4 and State committee meet on December 5. A decision on alliance will be taken at the meeting.”

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

ART centre at Stanley Hospital
‘Great explainer’ sets forth his ideas
CPI (M) seeks mega plan to desilt lakes, drainage systems
“Jayalalithaa should have submitted her views to panel”
Rs.1,000 announced as flood relief
Spurious bleaching powder seized
Last date extended
2.77 lakh tonnes of paddy procured from farmers
Annadurai birth centenary fete
‘Standard Operating Procedure’ comes under review
Excess energy charges cut
Government wants RBI to change SEZ classification
Retail players put off expansion plans

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu