Union govt deputes Central team to TN to assess rain, flood damages

Chennai, Nov 19 (UNI) The Union government has deputed a Central team to Tamil Nadu to assess the damages caused by the last week’s heavy rains and floods and make recommendation on the quantum of assistance to the state.
The inter-Ministerial Central team will ascertain whether floods in the State can be considered to be of a ‘severe nature’ and make recommendations for additional Central assistance to the State.
The team will be led by Rajiv Sharma, Joint Secretary, NATGRID, Ministry of Home Affairs, and consists of representatives from the Ministries or Departments of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Finance (Department of Expenditure), Jal Shakti, Power, Roads, Transport and Highways and Rural Development.
“In view of the urgency of the matter, the Central team may visit the State immediately. Thereafter, upon its return from the visit, and after making the final assessment, it can submit 15 copies of its report, in a week, to the Disaster Management Division, Union Ministry of Home Affairs,” official sources said.
The departments have been directed to nominate an officer each, familiar with the ongoing schemes and programs in their respective sectors, to assist the team leader.