Jaya seeks 25,912 cr flood relief from Centre

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Tuesday told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that her state requires Rs.25,912 crore for flood relief measures.

In a letter to Modi, the text of which was released to the media here, Jayalaltihaa demanded an mmediate release of Rs.2,000 crore and said the supplementary memorandum reflects the damage caused during the fourth spell of rainfall and the consequent floods in December's first week.

"Tamil Nadu immediately needs an additional sum of Rs.17,431.51 crore for temporary and permanent restoration," Jayalalithaa said.

Including the earlier request of Rs.8,481 crore towards relief and restoration of flood-affected areas, the total amount of central funds the state needs was around Rs.25,912 crore.

Stressing the state government's commitment to rebuilding the infrastructure and reducing people's distress, Jayalalithaa said the costs were very huge and difficult for the state government to meet, after the loss of tax revenue due to the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.

Noting the floods have already been declared a "calamity of severe nature", she requested Modi to instruct the union home ministry and other ministries concerned to consider the state's two memoranda, and urged Modi for an immediate release of Rs.2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund.