"State govt should probe why it took four days for the water to run off": Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 9 : Assessing the damage and overseeing the distribution of relief materials in the cyclone Michaung-affected areas of Tamil Nadu, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Saturday urged for a thorough investigation into the flood's aftermath.
"Today, I am requesting the State Government to do an investigation on why it took four days for the water to run off because that goes with a long-lasting effect on building integrity, on the structural integrity of the homes that have been surrounded by this water," he said.
Chandrasekhar said there should be a need for accountability and preparedness.
"I can certainly say it is time for the enlightened people of Chennai to ask themselves repeatedly why this city is becoming increasingly more and more vulnerable to floods. Why so-called public representatives are not doing anything to make the city more floodproof? But that is not my mission today. Today, my mission is to help in relief and rehabilitation. But certainly, these questions are legitimate questions that people should not forget about, so that five years from now, four years from now, we don't get another crisis," he said.
In the wake of the catastrophic floods caused by cyclone Michaung, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, undertook an inspection of the affected regions in Tamil Nadu on Saturday.
His visit encompassed areas including Mudichur in Chengalpattu, Varadharajapuram in Kanchipuram, and West Mambalam in Chennai.
In West Mambalam, Chandrasekhar, accompanied by K Annamalai, BJP State President, took a hands-on approach in distributing relief materials to the families severely affected by the floods.
During his visit, The Minister expressed grave concern for the residents of Chennai and the broader Tamil Nadu region. "We are very worried and concerned about the people of Chennai," he said.
"I have come here to talk to the district administration and the state administration. They have given me their feedback on what the status is. I have also met many citizens who are very upset and told me about the negligence that has led to this, but I am not going to get into that today," the Union Minister said.
He emphasized the central government's role in aiding the state, "Our main goal as the government of India is to support the State government, support CM Stalin's government to make sure the people of Tamil Nadu are safe. That is the first and foremost priority of our Prime Minister."
The Minister also addressed the tragic loss of lives due to the floods. "17 people have died, and that is not a small number of people who died. Our priority is to protect everybody. Our next priority should be to make sure this is not repeated, for which the PM has sanctioned 500+ Crores to make sure that there is a long term planning, to make Chennai flood proof and more resilient to these types of natural disasters," he said.
He further assured that the Government of India, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, is dedicated to supporting the rehabilitation of Chennai and Tamil Nadu.
He said: "PM Narendra Modi's government is completely focused on making sure that Chennai and Tamil Nadu get every support needed".