Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu at the Union
Pre-budget meeting in Jaisalmer urged the Centre to release Rs.6,675 crore under NDRF
to meet the temporary and permanent relief and restoration requirements in the aftermath
of Cyclone Fengal.
In his speech at the meeting held at Jailsamer on Friday, copies of which were released
to the media here, the Minister said pressed for allocation of pending funds from the
Centre under various schemes, including Chennai Metro Rail, SSA and railway and
other projects to meet the aspirations of the people.
Pointing out that Tamil Nadu faces recurring challenges from natural disasters, including
cyclones, torrential rains, and unprecedented flooding, he said most recently, the State
has been ravaged by Cyclone Fengal, which affected 14 districts and caused significant
damage to the lives, livelihoods and infrastructure of the State.
The intensity and frequency of these extreme weather events have significantly increased,
with some areas receiving an entire year’s cumulative rainfall within 24 hours.
Despite the State’s best efforts in planning and preparation, these climatic anomalies are
causing considerable economic strain and draining the State’s exchequer.
“The funds under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) have proven inadequate to
meet the immediate relief and long-term restoration needs. Therefore, I urge the Union
Government to release a sum of Rs.6,675 crore under NDRF to meet the temporary and
permanent relief and restoration requirements in the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal”, he said.
