The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Organising relief

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Monday, Jan 03, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Organising relief

Sir, — The task of clearing the areas affected by the tsunami and rehabilitating the victims is going to be gigantic. There is a possibility of much of the relief disappearing en route. The Centre and the Tamil Nadu Government, voluntary institutions and individuals should coordinate their activities. The authorities should ensure that all and sundry do not float tsunami relief funds.

Air Commodore (retd.) Raghubir Singh,
Pune

Sir, — It is important for the relief agencies and individuals to know what kind of help the victims require. It is obvious from media reports that relief is concentrated in Chennai, Cuddalore and parts of Nagapattinam while remote villages are getting nothing. When many organisations and people are coming forward to help, they should be guided properly.

V. Revathy,
Chennai

Sir, — It is disturbing to find officials insisting on death certificates for the payment of compensation to the kin of those killed. There are many who have been given a mass funeral. How can the survivors get a certificate for them? Such administrative bottlenecks should be avoided.

C.V. Subramaniam,
Bangalore

Sir, — It is also necessary to ensure that the survivors are able to prove their identity to claim the compensation. The country has already seen the time taken and the ordeal the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy underwent before getting their due.

R. Venkatasubramanian,
Chennai

Sir, — This refers to the media reports that some fishermen do not want to venture into the sea again and want alternative means of employment. Providing gainful employment to the needy is a more judicious remedy. Doling out money and clothes is a short-term solution.

S. Ramakrishnasayee,
Ranipet, T.N.

Sir, — Payment of cash for the purchase of boats and nets will be exploited by middlemen and the benefit will not reach the target group. This has been the experience of lending institutions whenever governments have introduced crash-lending programmes. Instead, fishing cooperatives can be formed in the villages and the financing agencies can provide motorboats and other equipment to them.

E. Ramakrishnan,
Chennai

Sir, — While providing relief and counselling to the victims, it is also necessary to explain the scientific reasons for disasters.

Suresh Veeraragahvan,
Namakkal, T.N.

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