AIADMK to Stage Protest Against Tamil Nadu Government on December 21, Urging Relief for Flood Victims in Villupuram
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Chennai, Dec 19 (NationPress) The principal opposition party in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK, has scheduled a protest on December 21, pressing for the swift provision of relief efforts and compensation for individuals affected by floods in the Villupuram district.
The protest march will be spearheaded by senior AIADMK figure and party organizing secretary, C. V. Shanmugam, in front of the Villupuram collectorate.
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), announced this initiative.
EPS criticized the state government for inadequate management during the heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal earlier this month.
He accused the government of discharging over 1.68 lakh cusecs of water from the Sathanur reservoir without prior flood alerts.
This action, he stated, resulted in unexpected flooding in the Thenpennai River, significantly impacting residents in the low-lying regions of Villupuram district.
The former Chief Minister asserted that the DMK government's mismanagement led to extensive damage to property and livelihoods.
He noted that numerous villages were submerged, and towns like Cuddalore and Villupuram experienced flooding, with water infiltrating several housing colonies.
However, the DMK government dismissed these claims.
Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister and senior DMK member, S. Duraimurugan, asserted that appropriate protocols were adhered to in managing the dam and disseminating flood warnings.
In a statement, Duraimurugan clarified that five warnings were communicated before releasing water from the dam.
He justified the decision to release 1.80 lakh cusecs of water as essential to prevent potential dam failure, which could have resulted in the loss of seven TMC of water and widespread destruction.
The minister also highlighted that no lives were lost due to the water release into the Thenpennai River.
He praised the "skillful management" of the unprecedented circumstances for preventing a more severe crisis.
