Drought relief on war-footing: Karunanidhi

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, MAY 2. Drought relief measures would be undertaken on a war-footing throughout the State, the Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, assured the Assembly today.

Replying to a special mention, the Chief Minister said Ramanathapuram district, which had obtained only 278 mm rainfall this season as against the average of 827 mm, would get special attention. The request of the district collector for Rs.1.25 crores for relief measures was under the consideration of the government, he added.

The Chief Minister also announced an increased solatium of Rs.25,000 to the families of the two persons killed in a wall collapse near Kadaladi in Ramanathapuram district. The two, Anandan and Murugesan, had taken refuge from strong winds in a private school when the wall collapsed, he said. The government would also consider compensation for the two persons injured in the incident.

On the deaths at the Erwadi rehabilitation centre for the mentally ill, the Chief Minister said he would make a statement after obtaining a report from the district collector.

The issue was raised by the leader of the opposition, Mr. S. Balakrishnan.

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Section  : Regional
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