Rebuild Kerala: Schemes to be taken up at 3 levels

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan on Monday said the state was going forward with the rebuilding exercise taking into  consideration the experiences of countries which have successfully overcome major natural disasters.

''To avoid disaster it is important to utilise land and water resources productively.  If required the government would consider fresh norms for construction activities, '' he said while speaking at the first meeting of the advisory committee.

The government is considering the implementation of schemes at three levels. The projects which will be implemented immediately, short-term projects and long-term projects. More emphasis is needed on agriculture sector as part of rebuilding exercise.

The chief minister said the character of agricultural land had changed drastically after floods. The problems of irrigation sector also need to be looked into. The government aims to implement infrastructure development projects with a comprehensive view, he said.

Pinarayi said those who lost houses need to be given place of dwelling immediately. There are places where construction may not be possible, so new sites will have to be identified to solve the problem.  Assistance worth Rs 6 lakh each would be granted for purchase of land.

The chief minister said several people had agreed to grant land free of cost..

The advisory board members gave their suggestions.

The chief minister said the government intended to convene the meeting of committee once in two weeks. An exclusive internet-based platform is being put in place for the members to interact with each other regularly. The next meeting has been scheduled for November 13.