The State government will soon prepare comprehensive flood protection plans for Chennai and vulnerable coastal districts to mitigate the impact of floods, said Governor K. Rosaiah.
Addressing the 15 Tamil Nadu Assembly, Mr. Rosaiah said the devastating floods in December had caused heavy damage in several parts of the State, especially in Chennai and some coastal districts. The concerted efforts of various government agencies enabled the speedy restoration of normal life, bringing great relief to the large number of affected people. The government had secured Asian Development Bank funding for ‘Climate Adaptation Programme’ aimed at reducing the impact of climate change in the Cauvery Delta. Preliminary work has already commenced in the Vennar sub-basin, he said.
With an emphasis on effective management of water resources, the government secured funding from the World Bank for Phase-II of the Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water Bodies Restoration and Management project. This would rejuvenate water bodies and tanks, and increase their storage capacity, he said.
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On urban infrastructure, he said the thrust would be on providing better roads, storm water drains, solid waste management, sewerage management and street lights.
The successful initiatives by the State — Integrated Urban Development Mission and the Chennai Mega City Development Mission — would be synergised with the Centre’s Smart Cities Programme and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation scheme.
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