Expressing concern over the rain fury in Tamil Nadu, members in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday offered to utilise MPLADS funds for relief and rehabilitation work in the state and some even announced contributions of varying amounts for the cause.
The House took up a discussion on the issue on urgent basis with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu saying the flood situation in Chennai is worrisome as IMD has predicted heavy rains in the next two days. The situation is precarious as all connectivity in the city has been disrupted due to overflowing of water, he said.
“I am very worried. I pray to the God to save all people,” the minister said, adding that a high-level meeting will be held in soon to discuss the issue.
CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said: “We can allow MPLADs funds for relief work in Chennai.” He said the National Disaster Relief Force
(NDRF) is stuck in Chennai floods and hence helicopters should be sent to drop food packets to people.
Yechury’s suggestion was supported by Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad. “I also associate with CPI-M leader. It (using MPLADs funds) had come to my mind, but as always Yechury takes the lead. On behalf of my party, we will support funds from MPLADS,” he said.
To this, Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said: “All of us are willing to contribute from MPLADS to provide relief to flood-affected Chennai. The amount will be decided in consultation with Chairman.”
Under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), the district authorities spend money on works recommended by member of both the Houses from time to time.
Initiating the discussion, DMK leader Kanimozhi sought more central support towards relief work in flood-affected Chennai saying the situation is expected to worsen as IMD has predicted heavy rains in the next two days.
The Tamil Nadu government has estimated flood damages at Rs 8,481 crore, but the centre has sanctioned only over Rs 830 crore. “It is necessary that Centre releases more funds to tide over the situation,” she urged.
She asked the Centre to declare the current floods in Chennai as natural disaster and send another central team to assess the damages in the state. She also suggested that an all-party parliamentary delegation should visit the state.
Kanimozhi also asked the centre to take measures to supply medicines to tackle disease outbreak post-floods.
Praising the NDA government for remarkable support being given to Tamil Nadu at this juncture, the DMK leader said this was the time to show all political parties are united.
Naidu said, “A central team has already gone there. A part of the team is stranded. Our visit will divert the attention there. I happy that Kanimozhi said this is not the time to talk about differences.”
Rahul calls for relief & rescue ops
Expressing concern over rains and floods in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday called for rescue and relief operations at the earliest and asked Congress workers to extend all possible help. “News of heavy rains in Chennai & other parts of TN extremely worrying. My thoughts are with the people of TN as they battle incessant rains. I hope rescue and relief operations reach those in need at the earliest,” Gandhi tweeted. “I urge Congress workers to extend all possible assistance to those affected by the rains & floods,” he added.