TN working on 'vulnerability reduction programme'
Chennai (PTI): With the help of the Centre and World Bank, the Tamil Nadu government is in the process of working out a 'massive vulnerability reduction programme,' to prevent loss of human life in the event of natural disasters, State Social Welfare Minister Dr Poonkothai said here on Wednesday.
"The Government is reconstructing disaster resistant infrastructure and with its 1000 km coastline,plans to set up 997 early warning systems,150 evacuation sites and 78 emergency shelters in the next two years," she said at the launch of a book containing success stories of the survivors of the tsunami.
The present Government was firm on preventing disasters, both natural and man-made, she said.
The tidal waves that lashed 13 coastal districts in the state on December 26, 2004 had claimed 8000 lives.
Underlining the State's efforts in tsunami rehabilitation, especially on the housing front, Chief Secretary L K Tripathi said 43,100 houses have been constructed as part of the initiative, while 11,000 houses have been repaired.
Pieter Bult, UN Coordinator, Tsunami Recovery Programme India, said the policymakers should ensure the participation and inclusion of persons affected in such disasters, while framing policies.
The book, "Turning the Tide," is edited by senior journalist R Bhagwan Singh and has stories by Chennai based journalists.
Titled "Atharavalitha Azhiperalai," in Tamil, the book is a joint effort by the UN Team on Tsunami Recovery Support, and NGOs Save The Child and Care-India.
Rajya Sabha MP, Kanimozhi, also spoke.
Regional
