Heavy rain in the State has caused financial loss to the tune of Rs.40 crore in the agriculture sector alone, it has been estimated.
“The detailed estimate of the loss due to monsoon fury will be available by early next week,” said E.K. Bharat Bhooshan, the State Chief Secretary. Mr. Bhushan held a review meeting of the monsoon damage across the State at a meeting here on Sunday.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy would approach the Centre with the details of the loss for claiming compensation.
The damage caused would be video-recorded as proof while presenting the case for compensation before Central authorities. The State Cabinet has sanctioned Rs.2,000 each for families staying in relief camps.
Free ration for a fortnight has also been sanctioned for people in flood-hit areas. The State has approached the Centre for more foodgrains to be supplied to the flood-affected, he said.
Roadworks
Road contractors would be asked to repair damaged roads in Kochi, which were built with a guarantee clause, said K. Babu, Minister for Excise.
There were complaints that a few roads had developed potholes shortly after laying them. “If the contractors fail to repair them, they would be blacklisted,” said Mr. Babu after reviewing the flood situation in the district.
Flood-hit families of Kadavur, near Kothamangalam, would be rehabilitated in a week. The district administration has identified 50 cents each for 10 persons. A proposal empowering district collectors for felling trees that posed a danger to people would be placed before the State government. The powers of the committee to decide on the felling of trees in public places would not be usurped.
However, the request would be for empowering the district collectors to permit the axing of trees that pose a risk. Compensatory afforestation will also be recommended in place of the axed trees, he said.
Hibi Eden and V.P. Sajeendran, MLAs, Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany and government officials attended the review meeting.
