Kochi: The district administration headed by collector Mohammad Safirulla has presented a total of Rs 126.12 crore worth projects for the relief and rehabilitation of the people and infrastructure development in the Ockhi Cyclone hit areas in Ernakulam district. The proposals submitted to the two-member team comprising R. Thankamani, director (beach erosion) Central Water Commission and Sumit Priyadarshi, assistant advisor (drinking water) Union ministry of water resources, on Wednesday included Rs 30.16 crore for mitigating the various losses suffered by the people and Rs 85.96 cr for the construction of sea wall and breakwater system from Munambam to Chellanam to check coastal erosion.
The district administration in its report submitted that 10 houses and six huts were completely destroyed and 464 houses suffered grave damages. The compensation for the lost and damaged houses is estimated at Rs 23.76 crore. The loss in fisheries and allied activities has been estimated at 3.69 crore, while loss due to damages to fishing boats is Rs 3.28 crore and fishing nets at Rs 27 lakh. The administration has provided free rations worth Rs 88 lakh to the affected families while Rs 12.50 lakh was spent for cleaning 25 wells afflicted with salt water. The government also spent Rs 9 lakh to repair damaged panchayat roads and Rs 4.44 lakh for removal and cleaning of solid wastes.
The district has reported two deaths and 40 persons being injured. The five dead bodies recovered from the sea and kept in Kochi are yet to be identified. A total of 32 persons are still missing. Out of this 30 are from Tamil Nadu and two Assam. According to the report given by the collector the sea wall and breakwater system at Chellanam will cost Rs 51.35 crore and Vypeen Rs 34.60 crore. The project has suggested installing geo-textile tube to resist high-tide in Velankanni Palli, Kampanippady and geo-textile bags at Puthenthode fishing gap. The project also mentioned about sea wall and protection of the sea wall in other places in Chellanam and Vypeen.
The team visited Munamabm, Thoppumpady fishing harbour, Kannamaly, Chellanam and Vypeen. Before the visit the team members held a meeting with district level heads of various departments. The district collector made an overall presentation about the loss in the district and specific projects that need to be undertaken quickly. Leaders of various organizations of fishers and fish workers, boat owners, K.V. Thomas MP, S. Sarma MLA, K.J. Maxi MLA were present. The team will visit Alapuzha on Thursday.
