CHENNAI: Migrant workers not only lost their belongings but were also not able to access relief and lost many work days, a survey of flood-affected areas in the city showed.
A group of NGOs brought together students, researchers, journalists and writers to undertake this survey conducted from December 15-30.
Migrant workers who lived in rented accommodation have lost their belongings and have not been able to access relief, especially dry rations and Rs 5,000
cash relief that government had earmarked for those affected by floods as they do not possess ration cards.
“Some of the migrant workers working as guards were asked to work during flood days of December 1-4. Many of them are unhappy that they have been denied dry ration and compensation,” said Madhumita Dutta, one of the persons who did the survey.
“Some of them have got their jobs back though unsure if they will be paid for the days when floods affected the city. Many went back to their homes and haven’t returned since then,” she said.
People earning wages of '250–500 per day lost about 10-45 workdays. Daily wage earners such as painters, construction labour have not been able to get back to work.
Places that were surveyed include Eekaduthangal, Jaffarkhanpet, Saidapet, Kotturpuram, Mudichur, Semmencheri, Perumbakkam, Kodungaiyur and Ponneri.
In the sample survey of 610 flood-affected people, over 95% had not received warnings about impending flooding.
The report has been submitted to Disaster Relief Commissioner Atulya Mishra for appropriate action.
