: The Madras High court bench today sought a status report by tomorrow from Tuticorin Collector on the relief measures taken by him for flood affected people in the district.
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by Puthiya Tamizhagam Party leader K.Krishnaswamy, Justices V Ramasubramanian and N Kirubakaran directed the Collector to file a report.
The Petitioner sought appointment of an independent committee to supervise relief and rehabilitation operations by government officials, including the Collector, as stagnant water had not been drained even after 13 days, people were not given proper relief and there was threat of contamination and infection. Many were affected by fever.
He also prayed for providing shelter, water, food and restoration of power in the affected areas, prevent spread of endemic diseases and withdrawal of FIR filed against 2,500 person for going on agitations, seeking proper relief.
He said flood waters ought to have drained through the Upparu,but it had been encroached by commercial and industrial houses,leading to floodwaters flowing into the city.
The officials had not taken steps to drain water on a war footing. Besides the buckle channel which normally drains the water into the sea,also was silted. Carcasses of animals were floating about and snakes had entered homes in many areas. Power and water supply had not been restored in many places.
Though he had given representation to the officials, no steps had been taken, he submitted.
He said the Central committee which visited Chennai and surrounding areas did not visit tuticorin district which was equally affected, as the State government had chosen not to take the team to the southern districts.
