Kochi: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday said the state would have been able to offset a major portion of the Rs 31,000 crore loss estimated by the United Nations in the aftermath of the August floods if it was able to receive the financial aid offered by various nations, including the UAE.
Speaking after inaugurating the various post-flood reconstruction projects at Chendamangalam in Ernakulam on Sunday, the chief minister said the powers that denied permission to receive the aid cited some reasons which nobody understood.
At the function presided over by local self government minister A.C. Moideen, the Chief Minister handed over the keys of the 75th house rebuilt after floods and the Navik equipment for fishermen and financial aid for the rebuilding of Nutrimix unit at Choornikkara. He said all houses totally damaged by the floods will be rebuilt by April.
The Chief Minister said during his visit to Dubai, Fujaira and Abu Dhabi recently as part of attending the Loka Kerala Sabha, he could understand the pain felt by the rulers in UAE on the devastation felt by the state and its people in the floods. "I was able to understand what a key place we hold in their hearts," Mr Vijayan said.
He said the rescue and relief operations undertaken in the state had attracted the attention of the world. "This unity and bond should continue in reconstruction also. The government is moving towards ensuring justice and help for all deserving," the Chief Minister added.
He said that already under Life Mission, 44,000 houses have been built while for the comprehensive development of the coastal region, a sum of Rs 2000 crore has been set apart. Navik equipment is being provided for 500 fishermen for their safety. The equipment will warn fishermen who venture out into the sea on weather.
