Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Urges PM Modi to Declare Floods as National Disaster and Provide Relief Funds
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the recent floods in several parts of the state as a national disaster and allocate adequate funds for relief efforts. The devastating floods not only wreaked havoc on public infrastructure but also disrupted countless lives. Addressing the issue during the inauguration of the second terminal building at Tiruchirapalli Airport, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the urgent need for financial support to rebuild the affected regions.
The floods in Chennai and our southern districts have not only destroyed public infrastructure but have also thrown countless lives haywire. I would request the central government to declare the floods as a national disaster and provide funds for it, said Chief Minister Stalin.
He further highlighted the severe impact on infrastructure caused by the floods in Chennai and southern districts, calling attention to the urgent need for assistance. In addition to declaring the Madurai airport as an international airport, Stalin appealed for immediate funds for Phase 2 of the Metro Rail Project Block-2. He also emphasized the need for improvements in the highway sector and the abolition of tollgates. Facilitating direct flights from Chennai to destinations such as Tokyo was another significant request made by the Chief Minister.
Stalin also expressed concern for the workers in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) who depend on Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). He urged Prime Minister Modi to help BHEL secure orders to support the MSME workers who have been adversely affected.
MSME industries dependent on Trichy BHEL are languishing; keeping this in mind, the Prime Minister should facilitate BHEL to get orders. MSME workers will be protected by this, stated Stalin.
Meanwhile, addressing the same event, Prime Minister Modi expressed deep empathy for the flood-affected people of Tamil Nadu in the aftermath of tropical cyclone ‘Michaung.’ He assured them of the Centre’s support and pledged to assist the state government in recovering from the devastation.
2023 may be behind us now but the last few weeks of the year gone by were especially difficult for the people of Tamil Nadu. Heavy rainfall and flooding in the aftermath of cyclone ‘Michaung’ claimed many lives. There was also a significant loss of property. I was deeply moved seeing the desperate straits that the people were in because of the unrelenting rainfall and flooding after the storm. However, I am here to assure each and every one of you that our government (at the Centre) stands with you at this difficult time. We are providing every possible support to the state government and are willing to do more, stated Prime Minister Modi.
The devastating floods in Tamil Nadu have left a trail of destruction in their wake. Now, it is crucial for the central and state governments to work in tandem to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation to those affected. The urgent declaration of the floods as a national disaster, coupled with the allocation of necessary funds, will go a long way in restoring normalcy and rebuilding the lives of the affected people.
