Kozhikode: The district administration on Monday announced a special package to strengthen the seawall around the coast, which was ravaged because of Cyclone Ockhi. At a meeting convened by collector U.V. Jose and attended by people’s representatives at the Collectorate to review the aftermath of the cyclone, it was announced that the project would be implemented with the help of various departments including Harbour engineering, irrigation and local self-government units.
In order to strengthen the already existing wall, mangroves would be planted near the wall all along the coast. A rehabilitation package to shift people living within 50 metres of the wall, would be announced shortly. Free ration would be distributed in affected areas including Koyilandy, Vadakara and Kadalundi, announced the collector. Coastal areas like Kadalundi and Payyoli also face the issue of water salination and therefore potable water would be distributed on a war footing. Various departments will join in the distribution of drinking water.
People who were shifted to rescue camps, except in Kadalundi, could return to their houses. In Kadalundi, 160 persons are staying in three camps. Of the 61 boats that went for fishing, 25 have returned. There are reports that the rest have reached the coasts of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The Collector also said that nearly 110 residents of Lakshadweep, trapped in lodges here would be able to return on Tuesday. The district administration is arranging food for them during their extended stay and the lodges are housing them for free. The meeting was attended by MP M.K. Raghavan, MLAs VKC Mammed Koya, M.K. Muneer, K. Dasan, C.K. Nanu, A.K. Saseendran, mayor Thottathil Raveendran, district panchayat vice president Reena Mundengatt and ADM T Janilkumar.
