During the period of intense rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin attended a meeting in Delhi as part of the INDIA bloc, according to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s statement on Friday.
This remark came as a response to Stalin’s claim that the IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) didn’t provide timely warnings about the severe rainfall, resulting in the unfortunate loss of 31 lives. However, the finance minister clarified that the IMD had indeed issued the forecast on December 12.
Finance Minister Sitharaman Urges Swift Action
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, equipped with modern technology, predicted heavy rainfall in Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Tuticorin on December 17.
During a recent press conference, Sitharaman expressed concern, noting that despite allocating ₹900 crore to Tamil Nadu this fiscal year to address the impact of heavy rainfall, the government failed to apply lessons from the 2015 Chennai floods.
She emphasized the need for immediate action in response to the news received on December 18, highlighting her meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss measures for the affected districts. Contrary to Stalin’s request, Sitharaman clarified that the floods in Tamil Nadu would not be declared a national disaster.
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Nirmala Sitharaman Affirms Full Release of ₹900 Crore for Cyclone Relief
Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that there was a delay in Stalin’s visit to the affected districts, which she attributed to his prior commitments in Delhi. She highlighted the financial aspect, stating that at the start of the current financial year (April 2023), Tamil Nadu’s State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) had an initial balance of ₹813.15 crore.
Out of the total allocation of ₹900 crore for Tamil Nadu, the first installment of ₹450 crore had been disbursed, followed by the second installment of ₹450 crore, both released before the cyclone. Therefore, the entire earmarked fund of ₹900 crore for this year has been provided to Tamil Nadu, she emphasized.
Nirmala Sitharaman Clarifies Tsunami 2004 Not Officially Designated as National Disaster
Following the press conference, Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the issue, highlighting that the 2004 Tsunami was not officially labeled a national disaster during the tenure of the UPA government, with the DMK as its partner.
Sitharaman clarified that it is not a common practice for the Indian government to declare any disaster as a National Disaster, irrespective of the state or time. She emphasized that even the Tsunami in December 2004, which occurred during the UPA-DMK alliance, did not receive the designation of a National Disaster.
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Finance Minister Sitharaman FAQs
Q.1. What was Nirmala Sitharaman’s response to Stalin’s claim about the IMD’s delayed warnings?
Ans. Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a forecast on December 12 regarding the severe rainfall in Tamil Nadu.
Q.2. Why did Nirmala Sitharaman express concern during the press conference?
Ans. Nirmala Sitharaman expressed concern because, despite allocating ₹900 crore to Tamil Nadu to address the impact of heavy rainfall, the government failed to apply lessons from the 2015 Chennai floods.
Q.3. Will the floods in Tamil Nadu be declared a national disaster?
Ans. No, Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the floods in Tamil Nadu would not be declared a national disaster.
Q.4. How much funding has been provided to Tamil Nadu for cyclone relief?
Ans. The entire earmarked fund of ₹900 crore for this fiscal year has been provided to Tamil Nadu, with the first and second installments of ₹450 crore each released before the cyclone.
Q.5. Was the 2004 Tsunami officially designated as a national disaster?
Ans. No, the 2004 Tsunami was not officially designated as a national disaster during the UPA government’s tenure with the DMK as its partner, according to Nirmala Sitharaman.
