Abstract

Natural Calamities - Tsunami (giant tidal wave) struck Tamil Nadu coast on 26.12.2004 - damages caused relief package temporary huts - family displaced from their homes - Temporary accommodation to be provided near their original homes at a cost of Rs. 8000/- per family - empowering the district Collectors - assistance from Calamity Relief Fund - guidelines - Orders Issued.

Revenue (NC III) Department

G.O. Ms. No: 10                                                                             Dated: 6.1.2005

Read:

1. G.O.Ms.No. 575, Revenue, dated 28.12.2004.

Order:

The Tsunami (giant tidal wave) that struck the Tamil Nadu coast on 26.12.2004 was unprecedented in its suddenness and ferocity. The calamity has caused unprecedented devastation in the coastal districts. The destruction was severe. Huts and pucca houses have been flattened, fishing boats have been smashed, buses and big tankers have been strewn around. The families living along the coastline have lost all their possessions.

2. It is estimated that around 1 lakh families displaced from their homes have been accommodated in relief camps. They cannot be kept in relief camps long, as they are not used to this. They would like to start their homes again. Hence they have to be shifted on some basis to their original habitations as quickly as possible. Thus it is viewed that some temporary accommodations should be created in their respective habitations at suitable locations. The temporary accommodation may even be in their original locations, if safe.

3. After careful consideration the government issue following orders:-

(i)The Collectors are empowered to build such temporary accommodation based on a unit cost per family/ house. They can be allowed to develop their own models. This will take care of local preference.

(ii) The Collectors are empowered to have this executed through DRDA, PWD, Highways or any other agency keeping proper accounts of the same. This will enable the collectors to undertake this work without any delay.

(iii) The unit cost is specified at Rs. 8000/- per family.

(iv) Good NGOs willing to put up such temporary accommodation can also be allowed.

(v) The Collectors are given specific instructions that the design of the temporary structures and the location is acceptable to the fishermen in each habitation. It should not be seen as a Government plan to forcibly relocate them though many have expressed the desire to relocate. The Collectors are authorized to take temporary sites of private parties on suitable lease terms.

(vi) The effort has to be to get most of the people in the relief camps back to their habitations before Pongal 2005.

(vii) It is estimated that the number of beneficiary families shall be around 1 lakh will be 50,000 families may be funded by the State Government and another 50,000 families by good NGOs.

4. The Government accordingly sanction a sum of Rs. 40.00 crores (Rupees forty crores only) for building temporary accommodation for 50,000 families as set forth in para 3 above.

5. The amount sanctioned in para 4 above shall be debited under "2245, Relief on account of Natural Calamities – 80 General 800, Other Expenditure – I Non-Plan-AB. Assistance for undertaking immediate relief works in connection with Tsunami 09. Grants in aid 01 Grants for current Expenditure (DPC 224580 800 AB 0919).

7. The Special Commissioner and Commissioner of Revenue Administration is authorised to draw and disburse the amount sanctioned in para 4 above as per the existing procedure to the respective District Collectors. The District Collectors are requested to provide the relief package as indicated above to the affected families. The Special Commissioner and Commissioner of Revenue Administration is requested to send the utilization certificate to the Accountant General/Government.

8 The Special Commissioner and Commissioner of Revenue Administration is requested to send necessary proposals for inclusion in RE/FMA of the 2004-2005.

9 The expenditure sanctioned in para 4 above shall be brought to the notice of Legislature by specific inclusion in the Final Supplementary Estimates 2004-2005. The Special Commissioner and Commissioner of Revenue Administration is requested to send necessary proposals in this regard to Finance (B.Coordination) Department, without fail.

11. This order issued with the concurrence of the Finance Department vide its U.O.No. 4/DS Budget/Finance dated 6.1.2005 and additional sanction ledger No 1334 dated 6.1.2005.

(By order of the Governor)

R. SATAPATHY

SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT.

To

The State Relief Commissioner and Special Commissioner and Commissioner of Revenue Administration, Chennai-5.

The District Collectors. Thirvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Nagpattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari.

The Pay and Accounts Officer (East), Chennai-5.

The Accountant General, Chennai18/35

All Treasury Officers.

Copy to:-

The Finance (BG.I,BG.II, Revenue, Ways and Means) Department, Chennai-9.

Stock File/Spare Copy.

/forwarded by order/

Section Officer.