Disastrous repeat of history
This not the first time that Chennai has faced floods. It is also the practice of ruling dispensations to assure of every possible step to be taken to avoid loss of lives and damage to property if a similar calamity strikes again. It has always been throughout recent history that politicians conveniently forget their promises and the people too resume operations in the same habitat, satisfied with a paltry sum paid as compensation by the government for the losses they incurred due to poor policy. This time the disaster is massive. But will history be repeated?
Tharcius Fernando, Chennai
Panel for Chennai floods
The Indian government should form a disaster management committee to rehabilitate the people affected by floods in Chennai. The committee’s chair should be from a UN body or any other qualified urban planning expert, to guide and supervise the rehabilitation work. It should be assisted by land, bank, revenue officials, MMDA planners and MEP engineers from Chennai Corporation. The term of the committee should be for more than five years, irrespective of the government that holds power. There should be a mandate for the committee to fix the fundamental issues and aim for a long-term vision of the city. It should come up with property development regulatory guidelines and submit a report to the Union urban development ministry.
Pon Mohaideen Pitchai, Dubai