Assess extent of damage by November 22: Collector

Officials of the Agriculture, Horticulture and Revenue departments have been instructed to complete the survey to assess the extent of damage caused to crops in the district due to cyclone Gaja by November 22.

Collector K. Rajamani gave the instructions to the officials while inspecting the crop damages at different parts of the district on Sunday and Monday. Mr. Rajamani said banana crop in Tiruverumbur, Lalgudi, Andhanallur, Manikandam and Mannachanallur areas have been damaged. Coconut, sugarcane and lemon crops were also reported to have been damaged in the district.

“Officials have been instructed to go from village to village and ensure that there was no omission in the damage assessment. Steps were also being taken to ensure that tenant farmers received the compensation,” Mr. Rajamani said.

On Monday, Minister for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare S. Valarmathi also accompanied the Collector to inspect the crop damages.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, affiliated to the Communist Party of India (CPI) has urged the State government to sanction at least Rs. 250 for every damaged banana tree.

In a statement issued here, Ayilai Siva.Suriyan, district secretary of the association, said farmers had spent about Rs. 150 a tree. In most places, fully grown trees have fallen and farmers would have to spend considerable sum even to remove the trees, he said.

Similarly, adequate compensation should be given to farmers who raised sugarcane for the Pongal festival, in Tiruvalarsolai and other places, he demanded.