Climate change-induced weather events have become common: CM

CM M.K. Stalin laying the foundation stone for 79 projects under the Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday said that Tamil Nadu was already experiencing the impact of climate change as it received excess rainfall during Cyclone Fengal, beyond what was predicted.

The cyclone left a devastating impact in Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, and Cuddalore districts, he added.

The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for 79 new projects, at a cost of ₹1,383 crore, under the Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam, inaugurated 29 completed projects, and distributed medical equipment to the Periyar Nagar Government Hospital at an event on the Wall Tax Road here.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Stalin said extreme weather events were not confined to Tamil Nadu. Other parts of India and many places in the world were also starting to witness such events owing to climate change. The Tamil Nadu government, he said, was swift in taking action during Cyclone Fengal. The number of casualties in the disaster was less, thanks to the precautionary measures taken by the State government, he added.

Mr. Stalin said the State government was continuing its relief efforts in the flood-hit districts, and had sought additional funds from the Union government. “Hopefully, we will overcome the impact of the disaster soon. However, while the people are suffering due to the floods, some continue to engage in cheap politics by defaming the State government. In the floods in Chennai in 2015, people were struggling to avail of help from the government, and were airing their concerns on social media. But our government commenced the relief operations as soon as the rain stopped. The DMK government will continue to work for the people,” he added.

According to him, the Opposition was frustrated over being unable to politicise the issue as the Deputy Chief Minister, Ministers and other officials were constantly addressing the people’s grievances.

“I always laid stress on bringing development projects to north Chennai. On March 14, this year, 87 projects under the Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam were announced. Today, within eight months, 29 projects have been completed,” he added.

Mr. Stalin inaugurated projects of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, the Greater Chennai Corporation, the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Tangedco, the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board and the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Ministers T.M. Anbarasan, Ma. Subramanian, P.K. Sekarbabu, Chennai Mayor R. Priya, Chennai North MP Kalanidhi Veerasamy, MLAs and others were present.