DEPARTMENT- RELATED PARLIAMENTAR

TWO

ACTION TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS CONTAINED IN THE ONE

HUNDRED NINETY EIGHTH BY TORRENTIAL RAINFALL AND CONSEQUENT FLOODING

(PRESENTED TO RAJYA SABHA

(LAID ON THE TABLE OF LOK SABHA ON

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA

RELATED PARLIAMENTAR Y STANDING COMMITTEEON HOME AFFAIRS

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi March, 2018/Phalguna, 1939 (Saka)

TWO HUNDRED EIGHTH REPORT

ACTION TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS CONTAINED IN THE ONE

NINETY EIGHTH REPORT ON DISASTER IN CHENNAI CAUSED BY TORRENTIAL RAINFALL AND CONSEQUENT FLOODING

(PRESENTED TO RAJYA SABHA ON 8TH MARCH, 2018)

(LAID ON THE TABLE OF LOK SABHA ON 8TH MARCH, 2018

Y STANDING COMMITTEE

REPORT NO.

208

ACTION TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS CONTAINED IN THE ONE

DISASTER IN CHENNAI CAUSED BY TORRENTIAL RAINFALL AND CONSEQUENT FLOODING

MARCH, 2018)

MARCH, 2018)

DEPARTMENT- RELATED PARLIAMENTAR

TWO

ACTION TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS/O BSERVATIONS CONTAINED IN THE ONE HUNDRED CHENNAI CAUSED BY TORRENTIAL RAINFALL AND CONSEQUEN T FLOODING

(PRESENTED TO RAJYA SABHA ON

(LAID ON THE TABLE OF LOK SABHA ON

Hindi version of this publication is also available

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA

RELATED PARLIAMENTAR Y STANDING COMMITTEEON HOME AFFAIRS

TWO HUNDRED EIGHTH REPORT

ACTION TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS/O BSERVATIONS CONTAINED IN THE ONE HUNDRED NINETY EIGHTH REPORT ON CHENNAI CAUSED BY TORRENTIAL RAINFALL AND CONSEQUEN T FLOODING

(PRESENTED TO RAJYA SABHA ON 8TH MARCH

(LAID ON THE TABLE OF LOK SABHA ON 8TH MARCH

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi March, 2018/Phalguna, 1939 (Saka)

Hindi version of this publication is also available

C.S. (H.A.)-

Y STANDING COMMITTEE

REPORT

ACTION TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS/O BSERVATIONS REPORT ON DISASTER IN

CHENNAI CAUSED BY TORRENTIAL RAINFALL AND CONSEQUEN T FLOODING

MARCH , 2018)

MARCH , 2018)

C O N T E N T S

1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (i)

2. INTRODUCTION (ii)

3. ACRONYMS (iii)

4. REPORT 1 - 21

Chapter- I

Recommendations/Observations which have been accepted by the Government

2 - 7

Chapter- II

Recommendations/Observations on which the Committee does not desire to pursue the matter in view of the Government’s reply

8 - 10

Chapter- III

Recommendations/Observations in respect of which replies of the Government have not been accepted by the Committee

11 - 14

Chapter- IV

Recommendation/Observation in respect of which final reply of the Government have not been received

15 - 19

5. OBSERVATIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE – AT A GLANCE

20 - 21

6. *RELEVANT MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE

_____________________________________

*to be appended at the printing stage

COMPOITION OF THE COMMITTEE (re-constituted w.e.f. 1st September, 2017)

1. Shri P. Chidambaram - Chairman

RAJYA SABHA

2. Shri Pratap Keshari Deb 3. Shri K. Rahman Khan 4. Dr. V. Maitreyan 5. Shri Shamsher Singh Manhas 6. Shri Derek O'Brien 7. Shri Neeraj Shekhar 8. Shri K. Bhabananda Singh 9. Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh 10. Shri R.K. Sinha

LOK SABHA

11. Dr. Sanjeev Balyan 12. Shri S. Selvakumarachinnayan 13. Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury 14. Dr. (Shrimati) Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar 15. Shri Ramen Deka 16. Shri Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav 17. Shri Mallikarjun Kharge 18. Shrimati Kirron Kher 19. Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu 20. Shri Kaushal Kishore 21. Shri Ashwini Kumar 22. Shri P. Nagarajan 23. Shri Baijayant "Jay" Panda 24. Shri Dilip Patel 25. Shri Lalubhai Babubhai Patel 26. Shri Natubhai Gomanbhai Patel 27. Shri Bheemrao B. Patil 28. Shri Mohammed Faizal PP 29. Shri Bishnu Pada Ray 30. Shri Prem Singh Chandumajra 31. Shri B. Sriramulu

SECRETARIAT

Shri P.P.K. Ramacharyulu, Additional Secretary Shri Rohtas, Joint Secretary Shri Vimal Kumar, Director Dr. (Smt.) Subhashree Panigrahi, Additional Director Shri Bhupendra Bhaskar, Additional Director Shri Pritam Kumar, Under Secretary

(i)

INTRODUCTION

I, the Chairman of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home

Affairs, having been authorized by the Committee to submit the Report on its behalf, do hereby

present this Two Hundred Eighth Report on Action Taken by Government on the

Recommendations/Observations Contained in the One Hundred Ninety Eighth Report on Disaster in

Chennai Caused by Torrential Rainfall and Consequent Flooding.

2. The One Hundred Ninety Eighth Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing

Committee on Home Affairs was presented to the Rajya Sabha on the 12th August, 2016 and laid on

the Table of the Lok Sabha on the 12th August, 2016. After presentation/laying of the Report, the

copies thereof were sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs requesting them to furnish Action Taken

Notes on the recommendations of the Committee contained in the Report. The Ministry furnished the

Action Taken Notes on the said report to the Committee on 12th June, 2017.

3. The Committee has noted that the statement on the status of implementation of the

recommendations contained in the said Report of the Committee has not been laid on the Table of

Rajya Sabha/Lok Sabha in pursuant to the direction of Chairman, Rajya Sabha dated 24th September

2004.

4. The Committee considered the draft Two Hundred Eighth Report and adopted the same at its

meeting held on 8th February, 2018.

5. The recommendations/observations of the Committee are printed in bold letters.

8th February, 2018 New Delhi 19 Magha, 1939 (Saka)

P. Chidambaram Chairman

Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs

(ii)

ACRONYMS

CLSS Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme CMDA Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority CMWSS Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board CPHEEO Centre for Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation CRRT Chennai River & Restoration Trust CSWDNS City Storm Water Drainage Network System CWC Central Water Commission DMS Disaster Management Support DPRs Detailed Project Reports DSC Decision Support Centre GoTN Government of Tamil Nadu HLC High Level Committee ISRO Indian Space Research Organisation ISWDN Integrated Storm Water Drain Network JNNURM Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission M/o HUPA Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation MLD Million litres per day MoUD Ministry of Urban Development MSME Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises NDMA National Disaster Management Authority NDRF National Disaster Response Force NRSC National Remote Sensing Centre PMAY(U) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) RAY Rajiv Awas Yojana RBI Reserve Bank of India SDRF State Disaster Response Force SLBC State Level Bankers' Committee SOP Standard Operating Procedures STB Sewage Treatment Plants TNSCB Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board TNSDMA Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Agency ULBs Urban Local Bodies

(iii)

Report

The Action Taken Report of the Committee deals with the action taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the recommendations contained in the One Hundred Ninety Eighth Report of the Committee on Disaster in Chennai Caused by Torrential Rainfall and Consequent Flooding. The One Hundred Ninety Eighth Report was presented to Rajya Sabha /laid on the Table of Lok Sabha, on 12th August, 2016. 2. Action Taken Notes as received from the Ministry of Home Affairs in respect of the recommendations contained in the One Hundred Ninety Eighth Report have been categorized as follows:

Chapter I: The recommendations/observations, which have been accepted by the Government: Para Nos. 7.1.3, 7.2.5, 8.7, 8.11, 10.2.3, 11.7 and 11.8 (of One Hundred Ninety Eighth Report) Total recommendations- 7

The Committee is pleased to note that the Ministry has accepted its recommendations

as mentioned in Chapter-I of the Report.

Chapter II: The recommendations/observations which the Committee does not desire to pursue in view of the Government’s replies: Para Nos. 8.6, 8.9, 8.10 and 9.3 (ibid) Total recommendations - 4

The Committee is convinced with the explanations furnished by the Ministry and,

therefore, does not want to pursue the recommendations further. Chapter III: The recommendations/observations in respect of which the Committee is not satisfied with the replies of the Ministry: Para Nos. 7.1.5, 8.5 and 9.2 (ibid) Total recommendations - 3

The Committee expresses its concern over the non-implementation of its

recommendations contained in Chapter-III and desires that the Ministry should furnish convincing action taken steps in respect of those recommendations. Chapter IV : The recommendations/observations in respect of which final replies of the Government have not been received: Para Nos. 7.1.4, 7.2.3, 7.2.4, 8.8 and 11.9, (ibid) Total Recommendations - 5

In respect of 5 recommendations in Chapter-IV, the Ministry has either furnished

interim reply or couched its response in vague terms. Therefore, the Committee desires that the Ministry should furnish pointed and detailed Action Taken Notes in respect of the recommendations categorized in Chapters III and IV in keeping with the spirit of the recommendation.

3. The details of the ATNs have been analyzed in the succeeding chapters.

CHAPTER - I

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN ACCEPT ED BY THE GOVERNMENT

1.1 REASONS BEHIND THE FLOOD Carrying Capacity of the Water Bodies Recommendation 1.1.1 The Committee takes note of the submission of the Ministry of Water Resources that the encroachment of lakes and river beds played a major role in causing massive flood in Chennai. The Committee feels that the State Government should check mafia involved in illegal construction for business and usurping water bodies for their real estate business. The flood channels and riverbed should be cleared as soon as possible by removing illegal/ unauthorized constructions.

(Para 7.1.3 of 198th Report) Action Taken 1.1.2 The Government of Tamil Nadu informed the Committee that they fully accept the recommendations that the flood channels, river beds as well as other water bodies should be cleared by removing the encroachments. Further, it is informed that most of these encroachments are by landless migrant labours that come in search of employment to urban local bodies. Those encroachments made by real estate business operators and other institutional land grabbers in the water bodies are not significant and evictions are carried out without much difficulty as and when it is identified. (For instance, the illegal constructions in the major riverbeds i.e. Kosasthalayar, Coovam and Adayar River by some of the educational institutions were evicted during the year 2005-2006). 1.1.3 The State Government also informed that the unprecedented floods during the year 2015 was due to multiple factors, the major reason being the extremely heavy rains in the catchment areas and in the urban areas, The actual rainfall in Chennai district during 01st December, 2015 to 05th December, 2015 was 399 mm as against normal rainfall of 40.6 mm during the same days which is excess of 883 percentage. During the same period the Kancheepuram district received rainfall of 467.2 mm as against the normal rain fall of 34.5 mm which is excess of 1254 percentage. The problem was accentuated due to breach of systems tanks and choking of river canals due to siltation, shoal formation and encroachments. 1.1.4 The Government of Tamil Nadu stated that they had launched a major drive during 2015 and 2016 for desiltation and removal of shoals and encroachments to ensure that the water courses are clear. During the flood period itself 7170 number of encroachments were evicted in Adayar River and 4239 families have been accommodated in 4239 tenements of Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) and each rehabilitated encroacher was given a flat costing Rs. 8 lakh free of cost. 1.1.5 In addition, a large number of encroachments (by people living in below poverty line) have been identified for removal and the families are being convinced to shift to tenements constructed by Government of Tamil Nadu through Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board. In spite of the best efforts of the State Government, the time consuming process of rehabilitation of evicted families is resulting in delays in removal of encroachments. However, it was also mentioned that the Hon’ble high court of Madras is directly monitoring the progress of encroachment removal and rehabilitation of the evicted families.

1.1.6 The Government of Tamil Nadu always emphasizes the need for removal of encroachments and protection of water bodies and it may not be out of place to place on record that Government of Tamil Nadu has enacted Tanks Protection Act, 2007 and Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905 is being followed for removal of encroachments from rivers and channels. 1.1.7 During the year 2016, a major drive was launched for desilting 22,899 tanks, 11,446 km length of river courses and canals, 14,112 encroachments were removed from water bodies. 6,960 recharge pits were created and 8,657 defunct bore wells were converted as recharge wells. A special drive was launched to clear the blockages under and on either side of the culverts and bridges and total blockages under 15,870 bridges and 1,41,633 culverts were removed. 500 meters upstream & downstream bridges/ culverts were also desilted in several areas. Recommendation 1.1.8 The Committee is given to understand that unplanned urbanization and growth of cities are also the main contributing factors for floods in and around Chennai. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Centre should come out with a proper long-term master plan for metro cities to prevent such disasters in future. The committee is also of the opinion that it is an eye opener and other metro cities must also learn from it.

(Para 7.2.5 ibid) Action Taken 1.1.9 The concern of the Committee has been communicated to the Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation in the matter. Accordingly, they have initiated aforesaid (Sl. No. 7.2.4) actions in the matter. 1.2 ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIFFERENT CONCERNE D AGENCIES Recommendation 1.2.1 The Committee also observes that the NDMA plays a very crucial role in mitigating problems of disaster victims. Therefore, its vacant posts should be filled up on priority. The Committee also recommends that after any disaster in future, the NDMA should meet urgently.

(Para 8.7 ibid) Action Taken 1.2.2 As per Disaster Management Act, 2005, the National Authority shall consist of the Chairperson and such number of other Members, not exceeding nine as may be prescribed by the Central Government. Presently, four Members are working in NDMA. One Member has been vested with administrative/ financial powers, necessary to run the Authority. The Members have been meeting very frequently. However, observation/ concern of the Committee have been noted. Recommendation 1.2.3 The Committee is of the considered view that there should be an emphasis on pre-disaster preparedness in disaster management set up of the State as the same would minimize the loss of lives and property in the situation of any unforeseen eventuality. Had this mechanism of prevention and mitigation been in place in the State to the required extent, the loss of lives and property could have been minimized.

(Para 8.11 ibid)

Action Taken 1.2.4 There is well established institutional mechanism at National, State and District level in the country to develop appropriate prevention, preparedness and mitigation measures in disaster situation. 1.2.5 Disaster Management is multi-disciplinary subject, which require coordinated and holistic approach from all Ministries/ Departments of Central and State level. The DM Act envisage that every Ministry/ Department of Central and State Governments shall make provisions, in its annual budget and take all necessary measures for prevention, mitigation, response and capacity building for disaster management and allocate sufficient funds for carrying out the such long/ medium term works activities. 1.2.6 However, Government of India has accepted the 14th Finance Commission recommendation to devolve 42% of the divisible pool to States during 2015-16 to 2019-20. Earlier it was 32%. Accordingly, all the Centrally Sponsored Schemes have now been subsumed into State Funds. Accordingly, State Governments are required to undertake all necessary measures for prevention, mitigation of long/ medium term works activities and allocate sufficient funds for carrying out such activities as per their State specific requirement and magnitude of ground situation. 1.2.7 The Government of Tamil Nadu informed that they are taking elaborate preparative measures to face North East Monsoon every year and because of the extensive preparedness arrangements made by the State during September-October 2015 large scale evacuation was possible during flood of December, 2015 and large number of relief centers were arranged for the evacuated people from the affected area which resulted in minimizing the loss of lives.

1.2.8 In all, lakhs of people were rescued, evacuated or moved to safer places throughout state and accommodated in 7069 relief camps. Not only food and drinking water, but also basic amenities were ensured to the people accommodated in relief centers.

1.2.9 In order to preserve public health and prevent outbreak of epidemic diseases, State Government had spread bleaching powder and other disinfectants in the streets and half a kilo bleaching powder were provided to each household. Double the usual dosage of chlorination has been done. Diseases surveillance has been done by the dedicated teams, round the clock during calamity period. 1.2.10 Accordingly, State Government has stated that they had taken aforesaid major initiatives through Public health department and awareness generation among the general public in the aftermath of December, 2015 floods, the outbreak of epidemics in the flood affected area were completely prevented. High Priority for preparedness during NEM 2016 1.2.11 The Government of Tamil Nadu has also informed that they always accord high priority to preparedness in disaster management and taking into account the lessons learned from the floods of 2015, a massive exercise was initiated from the month of September, 2016 to face the North East Monsoon which is associated with floods on the one hand due to cyclonic storms, excessive downpour, cloudburst and drought on the other in case of failure of monsoon. The key measures adopted for disaster preparedness to face North East Monsoon 2016 are detailed below; 1. Identification of vulnerable areas, mapping and analysis of vulnerability. The identified areas

were classified into

(i) Areas of Very High vulnerability 7- 572 (Above 5 feet) (ii) Areas of High vulnerability- 804 (3 to 5 feet) (iii) Areas of Moderate vulnerability- 1145 (2 to 3 feet) (iv) Areas of Low vulnerability- 1671 (below 2 feet)

Vulnerability maps were prepared at the rate of 3 vulnerable areas in each map at Firk (Rural areas)/ Ward (Urban areas) level incorporating vulnerability analysis, details of escape routes and relief centers in the map itself.

2. Unification of efforts of multi sectoral items at field level: Constitution of 498 Inter

Departmental Zonal Teams led by Revenue Authority. The team members are drawn from Policy, Fire Services, Rural Development and Agriculture Departments etc. Each team is to closely monitor 5 to 7 vulnerable areas.

3. Community participation: Community participation at grass root level through enrollment of 11,479 able bodied volunteers, with skills of swimming and climbing, as First Responders (10 per vulnerable area) 1499 First Responder Teams were formed in very highly and highly vulnerable areas. The first responders were trained by Fire services/SDRF and Red Cross Society. Mobile teams of first responders and Snake catchers were also formed at Block/Taluk/Sub-Divisional and District levels for deployment based on need.

4. Prepositioning: Prepositioning of rescue teams and relief materials in the vulnerable areas to

ensure rescue and relief operations. 5. Strengthening of SDRF and coordination between Central and State agencies: State Disaster

Response Force was strengthened by training 1275 police personnel from Special Forces (70 to 80 in each coastal district) increasing the SDRF strength from about 100 during the previous years. Coordination between Central and State Agencies as well as unified action by multiple agencies of Government of Tamil Nadu was given top priority. Arrangements were made for establishing green corridors to facilitate quick movement of rescue teams and relief materials.

6. Involvement of multiple stakeholders: To sensitize the Private Institutions, series of meetings

were held at District/ State level with Hospital/ Educational organizations/ Communication Service providers and Oil Companies to develop institutional level strategies and to ensure round the clock functioning of emergency services.

7. Communication through multiple channels: Usage of multiple channels such as

print/electronic/social media/wireless systems to spread awareness among the community on the Do’s and Don’ts during disasters. Multiple mock exercises were organized on different days including on International Disaster Reduction day.

8. Preparedness to manage flood through de-siltation & eviction of encroachments and

removal of blockages under bridges and culverts was accorded high priority: A major drive was launched for de-silting 22,899 tanks, 11,446 Km of river courses and canals. 14,112 encroachments were removed from water bodies. 6960 recharge pits were created and 8657 defunct bore wells were converted as recharge wells. A special drive was launched to clear the blockages on either side of the culverts and bridges and total blockages under 15,870 bridges and 1,41,633 culverts were removed. 500 meters upstream & downstream of bridges/ culverts were also desilted in several areas.

1.2.12 In view of the aforesaid measures taken/initiated by the State Government it is expected to improve the existing disaster management practices including the preparedness and minimizing the loss of lives and property in the situation of any unforeseen eventuality in the State. The efforts of the State Government in facing North East Monsoon 2016 based on the lessons learnt in the previous year resulted in deft handling of the very severe Cyclone Vardah. However, the strengthening of the disaster management including pre-disaster preparedness is a continuing process of the governance. 1.3 RELIEF & REHABILITATION EFFORTS AND MEASURES Recommendation 1.3.1 The Committee emphasizes that disaster management requires coordinated and holistic approach from all Ministries, Departments of Central as well as State level. The Committee notes that the Central Government extended support to the Government of Tamil Nadu by providing timely support to supplement the efforts of the State Government for tackling the situation effectively in the wake of flood situation in Chennai during 2015. But at the same time, the Committee observes that the NDMA meetings should take place immediately to monitor the situation depending upon the gravity of the disaster, since they only play the most crucial role in coordinating multiple agencies belonging to the Centre and the State who are involved in mitigating the disaster. The Committee however, appreciates the work done by the state Government as well as Chennai Corporation, in terms of relief and rehabilitation works.

(Para 10.2.3 ibid) Action Taken 1.3.2 Observation of the Committee is noted by NDMA. However, it is informed that Members of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) meet regularly for coordinating multiple agencies of Central & State those are involved in mitigating the disaster situation in the country.

1.4 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Recommendation 1.4.1 The Committee notes that there is significant gap between the demand for financial assistance made by the State and the actual help extended to them by the Centre. In this context, the Committee takes note of the statement of the representative of the Ministry of Finance while deposing before the Committee which is as follow:

“The State Government normally gives the Memorandum that includes damages, infrastructure and long-term mitigation also. The assistance normally from the Government under the NDRF is for the short-term repair and relief only. We only supplement the short-term measures because it is a supplementary approach. Normally, there is a gap between the demand of the State Government and the actual assistance. There is an Inter-Ministerial Committee which gives its comments on the report and then this Executive Committee and the high level Committee see to it that it is as per the set norms. The norms have been set by the Government as to which are the items that are admissible for relief from the NDRF. So, normally, this difference takes place. But, in this case, for Tamil Nadu, still that document has not been examined.”

(Para 11.7 ibid)

Action Taken 1.4.2 In this case, it is stated that the High Level Committee (HLC), in its meetings held on 15th February, 2016 approved the assistance of Rs.1737.65 crore from NDRF, subject to adjustment of 50% of balance available in the SDRF account of the State for the instant disaster. 1.4.3 It is stated that the Government of India had released the 1st installments of Central Share of State Disaster Response Fund amounting to Rs.254.625 crore for the year 2015-16, to the State on 27th May, 2015. Further, in order to support the affected people of the State, the Government of India had released assistance of Rs.388.42 crore (Rs. 133.795 cr. + Rs. 254.625 crore) from SDRF and Rs. 552.00 crore from Special Assistance of central plan schemes to Tamil Nadu on 23rd November, 2015. Besides, an amount of Rs.1000 crore (Rs. 866.31 cr. + Rs. 133.69 cr.) released, ‘on account’ basis from NDRF to the State Government on 3rd December, 2015 and 16th December, 2015 respectively. As such, Government of India has released Rs. 2195.045 crore from SDRF/ NDRF and Special Assistance to Tamil Nadu for management of relief necessitated by natural disasters during 2015-16. Recommendation 1.4.5 However, the Committee recommends that in view of the extraordinary circumstances and the huge damage caused to the State, particularly to the Chennai city, necessary assistance may be provided without further delay. The Committee feels that huge damage has occurred to the road infrastructure and restoration thereof is a gigantic task. Accordingly, the Committee recommends that adequate grant should be given to the State for this purpose.

(Para 11.8 ibid) Action Taken 1.4.6 Observation is noted and communicated to Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Road Transport. In this context, it is mentioned that Section 49 and Section 39 of DM Act, 2005, envisage to every Ministries or Department of the Government of India and State Governments that it shall make provision, in its annual budget, for funds for the purpose of carrying out the activities and programs set up in its disaster management plan. Disaster management is multi-discipline subject, which require coordinated and holistic approach from all Ministries/ Departments of Central as well as State level. However, the Government of India will continue to extend all possible support to the State Government in their endeavour.

CHAPTER - II

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS ON WHICH THE COMMITTEE DOES NOT DESIRE TO PURSUE THE MATTER IN VIEW OF THE GOVERNME NT’S REPLY

2.1 ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIFFERENT CONCERNE D AGENCIES Recommendation 2.1.1 In the opinion of the Committee, any natural disaster of bigger intensity has the propensity to cause extensive damage. Thus, instead of putting the blame on the forces of nature, we should use advanced technology to fight it out. Moreover, the administration of both Centre and State should work together and remain vigilant to tackle the situation. The Committee also observes that natural disaster of high magnitude will always adversely affect people in large number and the administration has to respond in a fastest possible manner. Accordingly, the NDMA and all concerned bodies of Central and State Governments should have established procedures so that vital time is not lost in wriggling out procedural delays.

(Para 8.6 of 198th Report) Action Taken 2.1.2 There are institutional mechanisms at the National and State level for effective management of natural disasters. There have been significant improvements in the overall system and procedures in Tamil Nadu. In order to strengthen the existing disaster management system, the Disaster Management Act, 2005 was enacted and notified on December 26, 2005. The Act provides for institutional mechanisms for drawing up and monitoring the implementation of the disaster management plans, which includes holistic, coordinated, and prompt response to any calamity situation in the country and ensures measures by various wings of government for prevention, mitigation and for minimizing the effects of calamities. Further, the strengthening of the disaster management is a continuing process of the governance. 2.1.3 NDMA has issued guidelines for management of floods in 2008 and for management of Urban Flooding in 2010. Implementation of the same is required to be done by the State Government. NDMA has also issued detailed advisories to all the State Governments for taking necessary timely measures during the monsoon season. 10-point advisory has been issued for immediate attention on urban flood preparedness & mitigation. Formulation of roadmap strategies for medium term and long term mitigation measures is under process.

2.1.4 The Government of Tamil Nadu has informed that they have well established procedures for effective co-ordination and preparedness to face the events during North East Monsoon. TNSDMA have close co-ordination with NDMA in the event of disasters. However, events of December, 2015 should be analyzed taking into account the unprecedented down pour of gigantic proportion which was unheard in the history of Chennai city.

2.1.5 In spite of the mammoth task that was faced, Government of Tamil Nadu had acted with great alacrity in implementing restoration measures and it was possible due to the established procedures followed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in close co-ordination with Central agencies and Government of India. 2.1.6 However, the State Government has stated that the 2015 experience did impart certain lessons for being imbibed to face unprecedented disasters. Government of Tamil Nadu have identified the

gaps and strengthened its preparedness measures and co-ordination mechanism which resulted in deft handling of the very severe cyclone Vardha during December, 2016. Recommendation 2.1.7 The Committee impresses on the fact that scientists all over the world are now highlighting on global warming and its consequences like, unusually high rain fall and sea cyclones. These would be rather more common phenomena and happen frequently in coastal states then a rare instance. Therefore, the Committee recommends the Ministry of Home Affairs and NDMA to keep their preparedness at optimum level.

(Para 8.9 ibid) Action Taken 2.1.8 The concern of the Committee has been noted in the matter. In this context it is pertinent to state that the primary responsibility for disaster management including preparedness rests with the States. Appropriate institutional mechanisms in the form of National Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authority have been setup in the country to develop appropriate preparedness and response mechanism in disaster situation. These setups have also been networked with the early warning system and also with the National Emergency Operation Centre for receiving and dissemination of alerts/ advisories/ information relating to the natural calamities. As a part of institutional mechanism, this Ministry and NDMA coordinate with the State Government and other stakeholders.

Recommendation 2.1.9 The Committee observes that there are multiple agencies involved in the disaster management process and feels that despite the best efforts all these take lot of time and consequently the administration fails to reach out to the victims. The Committee recommends that there should not be so many layers and NDMA has to revamp the process in co-ordination with the Centre and the State.

(Para 8.10 ibid) Action Taken 2.1.10 Observation is noted. Since, Disaster management is multi-discipline subject, it requires coordinated and holistic approach from all Ministries/ Departments of Central as well as State level. However, NDMA is responsible for laying down guidelines for management of various types of disasters, natural as well as manmade. Guidelines for management of Floods and Urban Flooding have been issued by NDMA in the past. Efficient implementation of the same by coordinating the actions of all the agencies under them is the responsibility of the State Government. 2.1.11 Further, the strengthening of the disaster management including revamping the process in coordination with Center and the State is a continuing process of the governance. 2.2 EXTENT OF DAMAGE DUE TO FLOODING Recommendation 2.2.1 The Committee understands that damage to social and physical infrastructure and financial loss to individuals and micro and small industries due to unprecedented torrential downpour in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu if calculated properly, may run into thousands of crores. The Committee, therefore, urges upon the Central Government to look sympathetically into the needs of the

State Government in terms of reconstruction and rehabilitation and immediately announce a special relief and rehabilitation package which is in consonance with the demands of the State.

(Para 9.3 ibid) Action Taken 2.2.2 The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises has informed that the relief package was drafted in accordance with RBI master circular on natural calamities with reference to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Sector. The following relief package was endorsed in the 144th SLBC meeting held on 18th December, 2015 at Chennai.

(i) Extending Moratorium period of two years. (ii) Converting existing term loan and interest as converted term loan. (iii) Rescheduling of term loan. (iv) Extending fresh loan facilities.

CHAPTER - III

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH RE PLIES OF THE GOVERNMENT HAVE NOT BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE COMMITTEE

3.1 REASONS BEHIND THE FLOOD Recommendation 3.1.1 In view of the above, the Committee recommends that regular maintenance of the drainage system should get top most priority however daunting the task may be. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and Chennai Municipal Corporation should pay attention to this issue seriously and act accordingly. The drainage system of the city should be flawless so as to prevent any kind of water logging.

(Para 7.1.5 of 198th Report) Action Taken 3.1.2 The State Government of Tamil Nadu has informed that Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSS) are maintaining the network of Sewerage collection system for a length of about 4444 Km in Chennai City. The sewage collected is pumped to Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) through 250 Sewage Pumping Stations. The capacity of the Sewage Treatment Plant is 769 Million Liters per day which is located at six different places. The existing sewerage system in Chennai city is very old. 3.1.3 CMWSS Board has taken up various improvement measures to rehabilitate the old sewer system by increasing the sizes of pipes, increasing the pumps capacity in the existing sewage pumping stations and increasing the size of sewage pumping mains etc. These improvement works were done under various schemes viz. plugging sewage outfalls under Phase-I and II and Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT) for which the Government has provided an amount of Rs. 493 crore. 3.1.4 Apart from this, for the areas included during the year 2011 with Chennai City Corporation under expansion of city limit by adding 42 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), separate action has been taken to provide new sewerage infrastructures. Out of the 42 ULBs, in four ULBs work has been completed at a cost of Rs. 93.34 crore. In 17 ULBs works are under progress at Rs. 950.08 crore, for 2 ULBs tenders are under evaluation, DPRs for 8 ULBs were prepared and posed for funding and for balance 13 ULBs DPR is under preparation. 3.1.5 The maintenance structure available in CMWSS Board for Operation & Maintenance of the existing sewerage system was already strengthened by inducting 43 numbers of Sewer Sucker machines, 30 numbers of Jetting cum Suction machines, 112 numbers of Jet Rodding machines and 235 numbers of Desilting machines on daily basis. A System is in place in CMWSS Board for periodical monitoring of O&M of sewers through scheduled preventive measures in every zone. 3.1.6 During heavy down pour, CMWSS Board engage additional manpower in co-ordination with Greater Chennai Corporation in removing blocks in drainage system. All the sewage pumping stations are kept in running condition round the clock by providing 100% DG sets as standby. Pumping stations are operated continuously to pump out rain water along with sewage during rainy days.

3.1.7 All the field staff in all the 15 zones of Chennai City are on field and their works are monitored by senior officials of the rank of Superintending Engineers posted as Nodal Offices during monsoon for each Zone. The complaint monitoring cell at Head Office and all the Zonal offices will be functioning round the clock with adequate officers and staff in 3 shifts to monitor the complaints received from the public during heavy rainfall related to water supply and sewage disposal. For uninterrupted functioning of sewage system, field officials are provided with Wireless sets for taking up immediate restoration activities wherever breakdown of the system occurs.

3.1.8 Further, State Government has also stated that the City Storm Water Drainage Network System has been constructed after preparing a DPR through a Hydrological consultant and it was vetted by Center for Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO) of Government of India for Hydrological design and the works are completed. The Greater Chennai Corporation also has taken up several long term measures and is currently planning to execute an Integrated Storm Water Drain Network to cover the extended areas of Greater Chennai City. The first phase of the project is being implemented at a cost of Rs. 1101.43 crore in Coovam and Adayar basins and will be completed by February 2018. During the second and third phase, Storm Water Drains will be executed in Kovalam and Kosasthalayar basins at a cost of Rs. 1243.15 crore covering a length of 360 Km. in Kovalam basin and at a cost of Rs. 1881.66 crore covering a length of 429 Km in Kosasthalayar basin respectively. The project proposals are under various stages of approval and financial closure. Hence, it is ascertained that the networking has been done as per the design. Also, every year the Storm Water Drain in the City to a length of 1894 Km is being periodically de-silted before onset of every monsoon. Further Recommendation 3.1.9 The Committee takes a serious note of the fact that out of the 42 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) work on new sewerage infrastructure has been completed in only 4 ULBs at a cost of Rs. 93.34 crore and for the remaining 38 ULBs work is yet to be completed. Though the work in 17 other ULBs have been undertaken at the cost of Rs. 950.08 crore, the progress of work undertaken is not satisfactory and is at a very low pace. The Committee further notes the reply submitted by the Ministry that the project proposals are under various stages of approval and financial evaluation. In view of the same, the Committee recommends that the reinforcement and up-gradation of the existing old drainage system and provisioning of new sewerage infrastructure should be completed in a time bound manner and desires that the Committee be apprised of the updated status. 3.2 ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIFFERENT CONCERNE D AGENCIES Recommendation 3.2.1 The Committee strongly recommends that the Ministry of Home Affairs through its subordinate concerned agencies has to bolster its disaster preparedness. The Committee suggests that separate action should be taken to prepare calamity map of all important cities by developing standard vulnerability indices so as to minimize loss of life, loss of private and public property and vital installation. The Committee does not quite accept the argument that since the rainfall was unprecedented and was more than the hundred years average therefore, the damage was also huge. In this context exact statement of the Home Secretary while deposing before the Committee is reproduced below:

“So, basically there can be no preparation for a disaster that occurs once in hundred years, because the cost of preparing for the disaster would be disproportionately high.”

(Para 8.5 ibid) Action Taken 3.2.2 The concern of the Committee has been noted. However, it is pertinent to mention that as per the constitutional provisions, Flood Management is a state subject and the primary responsibility for flood management lies with the states. The Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India is the nodal Ministry dealing with flood-management in the country through “Central Water Commission” whereas, the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India is the nodal Ministry for urban flooding in the country. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under Department of Space in cooperation with Central Water Commission have been involved in flood risk management and flood plain zonation activities, which mainly includes Hazard Zonation mapping and preparation of flood hazard maps. NRSC has a dedicated Decision Support Centre (DSC) under ISRO’s Disaster Management Support (DMS) Program. 3.2.3 Over a period, NRSC/ ISRO have created a repository of large data pertaining to the floods in different areas of the Country with the support of Central Water Commission (CWC). These datasets generated by NRSC/ ISRO, are useful for identification of the flood-prone areas and risk assessment. The information thus generated is very useful to the planners for devising area specific mitigation measures. 3.2.4 NRSC in coordination with CWC has initiated Flood Hazard Zonation mapping in 2009 using satellite data acquired during floods of different magnitudes. Flood Hazard Zonation Mapping and District-Wise Flood Hazard Atlases have been prepared by NRSC for Assam and Bihar, whereas, work is in progress for Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. 3.2.5 As regards to the possibility of preparing calamity map for each of the important cities with reference to urban/ riverine floods caused due to natural or manmade reasons, the time frame involved and the cost thereof, may be worked out by NRSC and CWC and any other expert organization in the field. 3.2.6 The aforesaid measures as taken/ initiated by the Government of India and the State Governments are expected to improve the existing disaster management practices including the preparedness and minimizing the effects of calamities (i.e. loss of life, loss of private and public property and vital installation) in the country including Tamil Nadu. Further, the strengthening of the disaster management including preparing calamity specific maps of all important cities is a continuing process of the governance. Further Recommendation 3.2.7 The Committee notes the measures taken by the Government and the progress made by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under Department of Space in cooperation with Central Water Commission in flood-risk management and flood plain zonation activities. However, in view of the recent spate of floods in the States of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, North Eastern States & cities like Chandigarh and Mumbai the Committee feels that the people at large have not benefitted from the efforts made so far by the Central and State Governments and the technological advancement has not found its way in planning for the crisis of this nature. The Committee strongly recommends that Flood Hazard Zonation Mapping of all the States & UTs should be completed at the earliest and information thus gathered should be made

central to the planning for handling situation and vagaries of this intensity and resolving crisis in an efficient manner. 3.3 EXTENT OF DAMAGE DUE TO FLOODING Recommendation 3.3.1 The Committee is appalled by the extensive damage caused to social and physical infrastructure such as roads, drinking water, sewerage, drainage systems, health centers, schools and colleges in flood-affected areas of the state. Considering the severity and extent of the damage caused by torrential rains and consequent floods to the State of Tamil Nadu, the Committee is of the opinion that the Centre should bolster its support and does not quite agree with the view that the primary responsibility and the first response for disaster management rests with the State.

(Para 9.2 ibid) Action Taken 3.3.2 Opinion is noted. However, to supplement the efforts of the State Government, the Government of India extends all possible logistics and financial support to the State Government in their endeavor related to disaster management in accordance with the established procedure.

Further Recommendation

3.3.3 The Committee further recommends that guidelines issued by the NDMA for management of floods in 2008 and for management of urban flooding in 2010 should be given the highest importance and implemented by all means, at the earliest, by the State Government concerned. The road map strategies for medium term and long-term mitigation measures that are in the process of formulation, as stated by the Ministry, should be finalized and implemented. As a part of institutional mechanism, the Ministry of Home Affairs, NDMA, State Government and other stakeholders should follow these strategies. The Committee may also be informed about the action taken there under. 3.3.4 The Committee observes that the Disaster Management Division (DM Division) of the MHA needs to be dynamic and adaptive in its approach to disaster management and keep an open mind to the new elements, institutional complexity and the specific measures arising out of diverse geographies and situations existing in the country at large.

3.3.5 The Committee further desires that the Ministry should inform the Committee as to how many State Governments have made provisions in their annual budgets for funds for the purpose of carrying out the activities and programmes set up in the disaster management plan alongwith the trend of expenditure for the financial year 2016-17 and 2017-18.

CHAPTER - IV RECOMMENDATION/OBSERVATION IN RESPECT OF WHICH FINA L REPLY OF THE

GOVERNMENT HAVE NOT BEEN RECEIVED 4.1 REASONS BEHIND THE FLOOD Recommendation 4.1.1 The Committee also observes that the drainage system got chocked in Chennai and the city was flooded badly in the aftermath of heavy torrential rainfall. The Committee notes that the Ministry while deposing before the Committee too had admitted on 28th January, 2016 to the fact that, “there is a need to keep all our drains clean, there is need to make sure that all the storm water drains function and the outlets function…”

(Para 7.1.4 of 198th Report) Action Taken 4.1.2 The concern raised by the Committee has been noted. The State Government has stated that recognizing such need, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has an annual drill of desilting the entire drainage system prior to North East Monsoon to keep the storm water drains clean, to carry the flood waters. However, during 2015 the downpour in the upstream areas was so heavy that the inundation level of flood was in the range of 3 to 12 feet above the road level in most of the areas of the city. The quantity of standing water was so huge to be carried through the storm water drains. In addition to the heavy down pour, the flow from the river mouth was impacted due to the high tide during the flood period. 4.1.3 Further, it is stated that the Chennai Corporation has undertaken desilting operations of the entire drainage system, the standing rain water of 3-12 feet above the road level was drained through the storm water drains and river channels within 3 days, which would not have been possible if the drainage system was chocked. 4.1.4 The Greater Chennai Corporation also has taken up several long term measures and is currently planning to execute an integrated Storm Water Drain Network to cover the extended areas of Greater Chennai City. The first phase of the project is being implemented at a cost of Rs. 1101.43 crores in Coovam and Adayar basins, the first phase will be completed by February 2018. 4.1.5 During the second and third phase, Storm Water Drains will be executed in Kovalam and Kosasthalayar Basins at a cost of Rs. 1243.15 crore covering a length of 360 Km. in Kovalam basin, at a cost of Rs. 1881.66 crore covering a length of 429 Km. in Kosasthalayar Basin. The project proposals are under various stages of approval and financial closure. Further Recommendation 4.1.6 The Committee takes note of the initiatives taken for laying of the Integrated Storm Water Drain Network (ISWDN) by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and desires to know the status of the first phase which should be completed by February, 2018. The Committee would also like to be informed of the status of the proposed second and third phases of the project.

4.2 ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION AND ENCROACHMENT Recommendation 4.2.1 About illegal encroachment and faulty town planning, the Committee observes that these are the major causes behind the havoc that was wreaked by floods in the year 2015 in the city of Chennai. The Committee appreciates the action taken by the State Government to remove the unauthorized constructions but still feels that this is inadequate and all illegal encroachment and construction should be removed. However, the Committee is of the view that the process of removing encroachment should be a balanced one as it has human and social consequences. There should be proper blue print and planning for rehabilitating and resettling those who are living on encroached settlements before removing encroachment.

(Para 7.2.3 ibid) Action Taken 4.2.2 The State Government has informed that Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) have a Master Plan prescribing land use for all the lands for the entire Chennai metropolitan areas, which was approved by the Government of Tamil Nadu under the provisions in Town and Country Planning Act. The Master plan not only has land use zoning for all the lands within the planning area but also have policies, plans and strategies for implementation in various sectors like economy, transport, housing, infrastructure etc. by different sector agencies to endure plan and orderly development of urban areas. The Master Plan has exclusive chapter on macro drainage system in CMA (Chapter 9) and Disaster management (Chapter 10). 4.2.3 Further, the State Government stated that major reasons for floods were as follows: -

'The unprecedented floods during the year 2015 were due to multiple factors, the major reason being the extremely heavy rains in the catchment areas and in the urban areas. The actual rainfall in Chennai district during 01st December, 2015 to 05th December, 2015 was 399 mm as against normal rainfall of 40.6 mm during the same days which were in excess of 883 percentage. During the same period the Kancheepuram district received rainfall of 467.2 mm as against the normal rainfall of 34.5 mm which was in excess of 1254 percentage. The problem was accentuated due to breach of systems tanks and choking of river canals due to siltation, shoal formation and encroachments.

The Government of Tamil Nadu has launched a major drive during 2015 and 2016 for desiltation and removal of shoals and encroachments to ensure that the water courses are clear. During the flood period itself 7170 numbers of encroachments were evicted in Adayar River and 16956 numbers of peoples have been accommodated in 4239 numbers of tenements and each rehabilitated encroachers was given a flat coasting Rs. 8 lakh free of cost.

In addition, a large number of encroachments (By people living in below poverty line) have been identified for removal. The families are being convinced to shift to tenements constructed by GoTN through Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board. In spite of the best efforts of the State Government, the time consuming process of rehabilitation of evicted families is resulting in delays in removal of encroachments. However, it is also to be noted that the Hon’ble Court of Madras is directly monitoring the process of encroachments removal and rehabilitation of the evicted families.

The Government of Tamil Nadu always emphasizes the need for removal of encroachments and protection of water bodies and it may not be out of place, to place on record that Government of Tamil Nadu has enacted Tanks Protection Act, 2007 and the Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905 for removal of encroachments from rivers and channels. At the same time very high priority is accorded for rehabilitating and resettling the poor in tenements constructed by Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board.'

Further Recommendation 4.2.4 The Committee would like to be informed about the status of process of removing encroachments, siltation and shoal from all the identified areas. The number of families that were shifted to the tenements constructed may also be furnished to this Committee at the earliest. Recommendation

4.2.5 The Committee appreciates that the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) had issued an Action Plan to all States and Union territories for “Flood Proofing of Cities/ Towns” well in advance i.e., on 3rd September, 2013 itself. The MoUD should also play a pro-active role in ensuring its implementation as well, in terms of urban planning and development especially of metro cities.

(Para 7.2.4 ibid) Action Taken

4.2.6 The Ministry of Urban Development has informed that they have finalized the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Management of Urban Flooding for the guidance of State Government agencies like Urban Local Bodies, Urban Development Agencies like Indian Meteorological Development, National Disaster Response Force etc. to take necessary steps for mitigating the urban flooding. The SOP is being circulated to State/ UT Governments. 4.3 ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIFFERENT CONCERNE D AGENCIES Recommendation 4.3.1 The Committee further observes that as per the submission of the Member Secretary, NDMA they have already issued guidelines on mitigating and managing floods and urban floods. In this context the Committee notes that since now urban floods are taking place more frequently in the Country, i.e., Mumbai, Surat, Srinagar, and then Chennai all these in tandem indicate that the problem may further escalate in future. Therefore, the Committee recommends that the guidelines prepared by NDMA should be scrupulously followed and they should also review town planning of each city by giving due importance to clear flood channels, proper drainage, safe-passage to excess water in lakes, other water bodies, de-siltation of river bed, removal of illegal encroachment, etc.

(Para 8.8 ibid) Action Taken 4.3.2 The concern of the Committee has been communicated to the NDMA and Ministry of Urban Development. However, NDMA informed that the town planning of the cities needs to be reviewed/ commented upon by the State Government in consultation with Ministry of Urban Development. 4.3.3 For this purpose the Ministry of Urban Development has informed that they have finalized Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Management of Urban Flooding for the guidance of State Government agencies like Urban Local Bodies, Urban Development Agencies like Indian

Meteorological Department, National Disaster Response Force etc. to take necessary steps for mitigating the urban flooding. The SOP is being circulated to State/ UT Governments. Further Recommendation 4.3.4 The Committee considered both the reply given to para 7.2.4 and 8.8 ibid and further recommendations have been given at paras below.

4.3.5 The Committee notes the efforts made by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in the finalization and issuing of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Management of Urban Flooding for the guidance of State/UT Governments and its agencies like Urban Local Bodies, Urban Development Agencies like Indian Meteorological Department, National Disaster Response Force etc. for mitigating urban flooding. The Committee, however, would like to be informed about the changes brought in by the SOPs and its effectiveness at ground level in mitigating urban flooding. The Committee may also be informed when the said SOP was circulated to all States/UTs, and, if not done so far, by what date it will be circulated. 4.3.6 The Committee hopes that SOP circulated to the State/UT Governments would be helpful guidance for mitigating urban flooding. The Committee strongly recommends that review of town planning of the cities must be undertaken on priority basis. The Committee also desires that final reply in regard to review of town planning of the cities may be furnished at the earliest. 4.4 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Recommendation 4.4.1 Besides, the Central Urban Development Ministry should also provide a special package for rehabilitation and restoration work in the urban local bodies including Chennai Municipal Corporation of the State which have been severely affected due to torrential rains and consequent floods. Since, these local bodies are dependent on their own small sources of tax revenue, they require substantial amount for restoration and rehabilitation works. The Committee while considering the magnitude of the devastation caused also recommends the Central Government to consider granting a sufficient sum for construction of houses for the people who lost their dwellings in the flood devastation.

(Para 11.9 ibid) Action Taken 4.4.2 The concern raised by the Committee has been noted by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation. The Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has informed that a request was made in December, 2015 by State Government of Tamil Nadu for grant of special package of Rs. 5,000 crore for construction of 50,000 houses for the families living along the banks of Adayar River, Coovam and Buckingham Canal and other water bodies in Chennai city and its sub-urban areas at a unit cost of Rs. 10 lakh each. The State Government had also requested for sanction of additional grant of Rs. 750 crore under “Housing for All” Mission during the financial year 2015-16 for construction of another 50,000 houses in Chennai and adjoining urban areas for the slum dwellers whose dwelling units have severely been damaged/ lost due to floods. Further, M/o HUPA stated that the sanction of special package is beyond the scope of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) {PMAY(U)} mission, and the State Government of Tamil Nadu was requested by the Ministry to approach appropriate authorities in this regard.

4.4.3 In so far as additional grant under “Housing for All” is concerned, M/o HUPA stated that a total of 989 housing projects have been considered involving central assistance of Rs. 3,325.38 crore for construction of 2,21,692 houses for urban poor in the State of Tamil Nadu under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). Central Assistance of Rs. 630.43 crore has been released so far as part of 1st installment for these projects. 4.4.4 The Ministry of HUPA also informed that for construction of houses for urban poor in Tamil Nadu, a total of 1149 projects have been approved for construction of 3,54,007 houses under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) and PMAY(U) so far involving Central Assistance of Rs, 4883.23 crore of which Rs. 2163.72 crore has been released. In addition, under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) of PMAY (U), central assistance in the form of interest subsidy of Rs. 18.80 crore has been credited to the loan account of 1128 beneficiaries for acquiring new houses. 4.4.5 Further, M/o HUPA has also requested State Govt. of Tamil Nadu to complete demand assessment and submit project proposals to the Ministry for availing central assistance for construction of houses under PMAY(U) to meet housing requirement for its urban poor including those whose dwellings were lost in the flood devastation.

Further Recommendation 4.4.6 The Committee desires that MHA in coordination with Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and the State Government may complete the projects related to construction of houses under central assistance. The status of completion of demand assessment, project proposals and action taken thereunder may also be intimated to this Committee.

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS — AT A GLANCE REASONS BEHIND THE FLOOD

The Committee takes a serious note of the fact that out of the 42 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) work on new sewerage infrastructure has been completed in only 4 ULBs at a cost of Rs. 93.34 crore and for the remaining 38 ULBs work is yet to be completed. Though the work in 17 other ULBs have been undertaken at the cost of Rs. 950.08 crore, the progress of work undertaken is not satisfactory and is at a very low pace. The Committee further notes the reply submitted by the Ministry that the project proposals are under various stages of approval and financial evaluation. In view of the same, the Committee recommends that the reinforcement and up-gradation of the existing old drainage system and provisioning of new sewerage infrastructure should be completed in a time bound manner and desires that the Committee be apprised of the updated status.

(Para 3.1.9) ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIFFERENT CONCERNED AG ENCIES The Committee notes the measures taken by the Government and the progress made by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under Department of Space in cooperation with Central Water Commission in flood-risk management and flood plain zonation activities. However, in view of the recent spate of floods in the States of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, North Eastern States & cities like Chandigarh and Mumbai the Committee feels that the people at large have not benefitted from the efforts made so far by the Central and State Governments and the technological advancement has not found its way in planning for the crisis of this nature. The Committee strongly recommends that Flood Hazard Zonation Mapping of all the States & UTs should be completed at the earliest and information thus gathered should be made central to the planning for handling situation and vagaries of this intensity and resolving crisis in an efficient manner.

(Para 3.2.7) EXTENT OF DAMAGE DUE TO FLOODING

The Committee further recommends that guidelines issued by the NDMA for management of floods in 2008 and for management of urban flooding in 2010 should be given the highest importance and implemented by all means, at the earliest, by the State Government concerned. The road map strategies for medium term and long-term mitigation measures that are in the process of formulation, as stated by the Ministry, should be finalized and implemented. As a part of institutional mechanism, the Ministry of Home Affairs, NDMA, State Government and other stakeholders should follow these strategies. The Committee may also be informed about the action taken there under.

(Para 3.3.3) The Committee observes that the Disaster Management Division (DM Division) of the MHA needs to be dynamic and adaptive in its approach to disaster management and keep an open mind to the new elements, institutional complexity and the specific measures arising out of diverse geographies and situations existing in the country at large.

(Para 3.3.4) The Committee further desires that the Ministry should inform the Committee as to how many State Governments have made provisions in their annual budgets for funds for the

purpose of carrying out the activities and programmes set up in the disaster management plan alongwith the trend of expenditure for the financial year 2016-17 and 2017-18.

(Para 3.3.5) REASONS BEHIND THE FLOOD The Committee takes note of the initiatives taken for laying of the Integrated Storm Water Drain Network (ISWDN) by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and desires to know the status of the first phase which should be completed by February, 2018. The Committee would also like to be informed of the status of the proposed second and third phases of the project.

(Para 4.1.6) ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION AND ENCROACHMENT The Committee would like to be informed about the status of process of removing encroachments, siltation and shoal from all the identified areas. The number of families that were shifted to the tenements constructed may also be furnished to this Committee at the earliest.

(Para 4.2.4) ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIFFERENT CONCERNED AG ENCIES The Committee considered both the reply given to para 7.2.4 and 8.8 ibid and the further recommendations have been given at paras below.

(Para 4.3.4)

The Committee notes the efforts made by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in the finalization and issuing of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Management of Urban Flooding for the guidance of State/UT Governments and its agencies like Urban Local Bodies, Urban Development Agencies like Indian Meteorological Department, National Disaster Response Force etc. for mitigating urban flooding. The Committee, however, would like to be informed about the changes brought in by the SOPs and its effectiveness at ground level in mitigating urban flooding. The Committee may also be informed when the said SOP was circulated to all States/UTs, and, if not done so far, by what date it will be circulated.

(Para 4.3.5)

The Committee hopes that SOP circulated to the State/UT Governments would be helpful guidance for mitigating urban flooding. The Committee strongly recommends that review of town planning of the cities must be undertaken on priority basis. The Committee also desires that final reply in regard to review of town planning of the cities may be furnished at the earliest.

(Para 4.3.6)

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The Committee desires that MHA in coordination with Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and the State Government may complete the projects related to construction of houses under central assistance. The status of completion of demand assessment, project proposals and action taken thereunder may also be intimated to this Committee.

(Para 4.4.6) *****