Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
still waiting TO roll out: Bicycles meant to be distributed among tsunami-hit fishermen in Cuddalore. —
CUDDALORE: Over 6,000 bicycles meant for distribution to the tsunami-affected coastal community are rusting at various places in the district.
The bicycles have been dumped on the campuses of the Fisheries Department at Cuddalore Old Town, Sonankuppam, Killai, Samiarpettai and Periakuppam.
While the bicycles kept at Old Town are covered with polythene sheets, those in other places are exposed to the vagaries of weather. It is learnt that a couple of bicycles and some of the parts are missing.
Hence, at Periakuppam the bicycles are shifted to the community hall.
Official sources told The Hindu that the Directorate of Fisheries Department, Chennai, had despatched the bicycles to Cuddalore nearly five months ago.
These formed part of the tsunami relief package to be given away to the affected fishermen and those related to fish trade. The package included bicycles, torchlights, iceboxes and lifejackets.
The sources said except bicycles the remaining components of the package were yet to be received. The list of beneficiaries had already been made ready.
Mostly, those who had got the relief in the aftermath of the tsunami found place in the list.
However, in the absence of any direction from the Directorate, the local officials could not take any decision on the distribution of bicycles.
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