THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday directed collectors to provide assistance to the victims of cyclone Ockhi without any delay.
Addressing the collectors through video conferencing, the Chief Minister said in case if the compensation amount was too meagre as per the existing criteria, such instances should be brought to the government's notice immediately.
He asked the collectors to ensure basic facilities including food for people who are staying in relief camps. The Chief Minister said cleanliness should of priority in these camps and special attention should be given to children. A special agency could be deployed to maintain health and hygiene. Mr Pinarayi asked the departments concerned to co-ordinate the activities for preventing diseases in coastal areas and ensuring cleanliness.
He said the compensation for those who had lost their houses and whose houses were damaged should be provided at the earliest. He lauded Ernakulam district for setting a good example in the maintenance of toilets in the affected areas. The Chief Minister said the district authorities had carried out exemplary work in the face of such a huge tragedy. This is the first time in a century that such a devastating cyclone had hit the state. There was no prior warning, which made matters worse.
Mr Pinarayi said that based on the experience of Ockhi, many steps would have to be taken in future. “We still don’t have a mechanism to estimate the number of fishermen who are out in sea. There should be an agency which can track these things and keep a data. Those going to sea in groups should give details of each member. The government is planning to put in place such a system,” he added. Mr Pinarayi directed collector to provide all assistance to Lakshadweep residents who reached to safety in Kozhikode.
