Prudent use of Ockhi aid promised

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has promised to spend the central aid for the rehab of cyclone Ockhi victims in a judicious manner and also improve the state disaster management system.
“The government is committed to give compensation for every life lost,” said governor P Sathasivam in the assembly as opposition members raised placards and banners during his policy address, protesting against the ‘government’s failure in handling the Ockhi situation’.
Sathasivam said the government activated its disaster management system as soon as it received the cyclone alert and ‘unleashed every capability in its arsenal to rescue the men and vessels at risk’.
“Despite our coordinated efforts with Navy and Air Force, a number of fishermen have not returned home. The government considers this experience as a call not only to strengthen both Union and state capabilities in handling climate change, but also to enhance human capability and technology while dealing with the consequences of such disasters,” he said.
The governor said after cyclone Ockhi, we need to address environmental concerns as a key factor in determining developmental priorities. “The lessons learned will be used to change the basic framework of a sustainable Kerala, unveiled through the four missions launched last year,” he added.
“The government is planning a 3D mapping of the west coast to a width of 250m along the coast for ‘probabilistic hazard analysis’ to identify vulnerable areas and facilitate emergency preparedness to meet natural disasters. In the wake of Ockhi, a satellite-based navigation and weather forecasting system is being planned with Isro to assist fishermen,” said Sathasivam.
The governor also said that special thrust would be given to equip fishing vessels with lifesaving equipment.
“Only such vessels will be allowed to operate at sea and movement of fishing craft will be regulated with crew details so that future rescue operations are more streamlined. New fishing harbours at selected places are also being mooted,” he added.