Ten die in TN forest fire, CM orders probe
BY MPost12 March 2018 11:54 PM IST
MPost12 March 2018 11:54 PM IST
Theni: The toll in the forest fire in Theni district rose to 10 on Monday as the Tamil Nadu government ordered an inquiry into it and assured action against those who allegedly arranged for the expedition without permission.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami said 10 persons — seven women and three men-- were killed in the fire at Kurangani Hill ranges in Western Ghats and expressed grief over the deaths.
While seven of the victims were from Chennai, others were from Erode district, he said in a statement.
"I was anguished to know that ten persons were killed in the forest fire," the Chief Minister said.
Palaniswami announced a solatium of Rs 4 lakh to each of the families of the deceased, Rs one lakh to the grievously injured and Rs 50,000 to those with simple injuries.
The district administration and health department officials had been instructed to ensure best medical treatment to those admitted to local hospitals, he said.
He also prayed for their swift recovery.
Palaniswami said soon after he came to know of the fire on Sunday, he directed steps for their safe rescue. His deputy O Panneerselvam and the others oversaw the operations, he said.
His cabinet colleagues—Revenue Minister R B Udayakumar and Health Minister C Vijayabaskar, besides some senior officials, were camping in that area.
While state rescue agencies, including Fire department, rescued 26 stranded persons, the Centre also deployed defence helicopters and commando forces during the operations, he said.
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