Latest news with #CycloneOckhi
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
15 years on, kin of missing fishermen still await compensation
Over 15 years after the tragic disappearance of eight fishermen from Kanniyakumari district during Cyclone Phyan in 2009, their families are still awaiting compensation from the government. The affected families say they too deserve relief assistance similar to which was extended to the families of the victims of Cyclone Ockhi in 2017. The mechanised boat owned by J. Rebelon had ventured into the sea on November 11, 2009, and reportedly capsized in the Kerala coastal waters during Cyclone Phyan. While three fishermen on board the boat survived with injuries, eight others went missing. They were identified as S. Mariarajan, S. Dasan, D. Romans, A. Anish, P. Stalin, G. Jimmy Kuttan, all from Thoothoor, J. Sessadimai from Vallavilai and I. John Clittous from Poothurai. The families of five fishermen were provided with ₹2 lakh compensation, each one lakh from Tamil Nadu Fishermen Welfare Board and relief under Group Accident Insurance Scheme. But the families of the remaining fishermen were provided with ₹1 lakh only, since they are not members of the welfare board. However, the families of these fishermen are currently battling to get compensation from the government on a par with the relief given during Cyclone Ockhi. Liba, daughter of Sessadimai, said, it had been over 15 years, but no compensation was provided by the government. 'They said death certificates could be issued after seven days. But even after obtaining the death certificate, the process is still on hold,' she added. Ms. Liba highlighted that the government had declared Cyclone Okhi a natural disaster and provided compensation for the fishermen who went missing. 'This is also the same scenario, that these fishermen also went missing during the cyclone. The only difference is that it has not been declared a natural disaster,' she noted. Asha, sister of Jimmy Kuttan, in her weeping voice said the compensation would be really helpful to the kin of the missing fishermen, as most of them were the earning members of their families. The death of her brother had affected the family, both financially and emotionally, and the family members were planning to sell their house in Thoothoor due to financial difficulties, she added. An official from the Fisheries Department said they had obtained death certificates a few years ago and their petitions were currently under consideration.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kerala government marks LDF's fourth anniversary with month-long celebrations across the state
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan presides over the state-level event commemorating the fourth anniversary of the LDF government at Kalikkadavu Maidan in Kasaragod. The Kerala Government officially kicked off its month-long celebrations marking the fourth anniversary of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government on April 21, starting in Kasaragod. CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the event, which marks the beginning of a series of programs aimed at showcasing the accomplishments and continuity of the LDF government's governance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo In his inaugural speech, Vijayan emphasised the significance of choosing Kasaragod as the starting point for the celebrations. Highlighting the government's achievements, including developing national highways, he noted that Kasaragod holds historical importance. He reflected on how Comrade E.M.S. Namboodiripad, Kerala's first chief minister, was elected from the Neeleswaram constituency—a milestone that made inaugurating the celebrations in Kasaragod particularly meaningful. The chief minister recalled the challenges the LDF government faced upon assuming office in 2016, inheriting a state in dire conditions. He remarked on the trust the people placed in the government to modernize Kerala and ensure equitable development, particularly for regions like Kasaragod that had lagged. Vijayan detailed the obstacles encountered during the administration's tenure, including natural disasters and epidemics such as Cyclone Ockhi, the Nipah virus outbreak, the devastating floods of 2018, the heavy monsoon calamities of 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these crises, the government persevered, leading Kerala through resilience and progress. The anniversary celebrations will feature extensive programmes comprising district and regional meetings, exhibitions, and trade fairs across the state until May 30. The 'Ente Keralam' exhibition and trade fairs will be held at the Kalikkadavu grounds in Kasaragod from April 21-27, SKMJ School in Kalpetta from April 22-28, Nagampadam grounds in Kottayam from April 25-May 1, Vazhathoppu VHS grounds in Cheruthoni from April 29-May 5, Kozhikode beach from May 3-12, the grounds opposite Indira Gandhi stadium in Palakkad from May 4-10, Alappuzha beach from May 6-12, Kottakkunnu in Malappuram from May 7-13, Police Grounds in Kannur from May 8-14, Ashramam grounds in Kollam from May 11-17, Sabarimala base camp grounds in Pathanamthitta from May 16-22, Marine Drive in Ernakulam from May 17-23, and Students' Corner at Swaraj Ground in Thrissur from May 18-24. Each venue will host comprehensive programs featuring stalls from various government departments, sales booths, a theme pavilion by I&PRD, food courts, cultural performances, book fairs, agricultural exhibitions, Haritha Keralam Mission, and Kudumbashree displays. Notable installations include sections for the Startup Mission, Tourism, Sports Departments, KIIFB, and unique attractions such as KSFD's mini-theater, a police dog show, Caravan Tourism exhibitions, and live demonstrations by artisans. Over 500 invitees representing beneficiaries of government services, youth, trade unions, students, cultural and sports figures, industrialists, expatriates, and other community leaders are expected to participate. Chief minister inaugurates Kerala government's fourth anniversary celebrations in Wayanad at SKMJ Higher Secondary School, Kalpetta. The celebrations further expanded to Wayanad, where the 'Ente Keralam' exhibition was inaugurated at SKMJ Higher Secondary School in Kalpetta by Minister O.R. Kelu. A district-level meeting in Kalpetta allowed Chief Minister Vijayan to interact personally with 500 invitees from diverse sectors of the district. During the event, Vijayan handed over keys to houses built by the Scheduled Tribes Development Department to 123 landless Scheduled Tribe families. In Wayanad, the chief minister announced the fast-tracking of the township project, emphasizing its significance in driving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for residents. The event also highlighted the state government's achievements over the past four years, with a focus on ongoing initiatives and future plans for regional progress. Wayanad Cultural Fest showcases a week-long celebration of music, dance, and tribal art The Wayanad Cultural Fest is bringing a vibrant blend of tradition and talent to the district, with a series of captivating performances scheduled over five days. The festivities kicked off on the 24th with a breathtaking acrobatic and fire dance performance by Kerala's first all-girls acrobatic troupe. The evening also featured a spectacular Pakarnattam folk performance by Unarvu, a collective of award-winning tribal artists who captivated the audience with their rich, indigenous storytelling and rhythms. On the 25th, the stage will resonate with the soulful melodies of Sufi music, performed by the renowned Sameer Binsi. The 26th will feature an energetic music night, headlined by popular artists Kannur Sheriff and Faseela Banu. Continuing the celebrations, the Mangosteen Club will host a vibrant Song Festival on the 27th, showcasing local musical talents in a spirited gathering. The festivities will conclude on the 28th with a grand finale—a live band performance led by popular actress Krishnaprabha, promising to leave the audience spellbound and marking a spectacular end to this cultural extravaganza. Through these events, the Kerala Government showcased its commitment to development, resilience, and cultural enrichment, celebrating its achievements and setting the stage for continued progress in the years to come. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
The Print
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Print
Local body & assembly polls round the corner, LDF kickstarts month-long anniversary celebrations
'The state's unwavering unity was crucial to overcome all challenges it faced since 2016, despite no support from the central government,' said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, inaugurating the events as well as the Ente Keralam exhibition and trade fair. The celebrations, marking four years of LDF's second consecutive term, come ahead of crucial local body elections later this year and assembly polls in 2026. Thiruvananthapuram: Marking the start of its month-long anniversary celebrations in Kerala's Kasaragod district, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government Monday showcased key developmental milestones, including eradication of poverty, expansion of Panvel-Kanyakumari National Highway, and the ambitious Kovalam-Bekal waterway project. The exhibition showcases various initiatives and services implemented by the state government in the last nine years. Vijayan added, 'We had to overcome everything–the Nipah outbreak, Cyclone Ockhi, the 2018 floods and the heavy rains of 2019. And just as we began to recover, we were hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.' Alleging that the central government was silent even after the devastating landslides in Wayanad in 2024, Vijayan said, 'If a state faces challenges, the central government should stand with them and help them. But unfortunately, we didn't get any help in any situation'. According to official figures, 266 people died and 32 went missing after multiple landslides struck the Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Attamala villages of Wayanad on 30 July, 2024. Though the state government requested a Rs 2,000 crore compensation package, the Centre approved a Rs 529.50 crore loan to be utilised by 31 March, 2025. On March 26, the state government began the construction of a model township in Kalpetta's Elston estate spread across 65 hectares for rehabilitation of survivors using Rs 712.98 crore from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) and public donations. 'When the entire world thought we would not be able to recover, the entire population stood with the state government. Now the world is looking at us and asking how we did it. And the answer is the unity in the state that is strong enough to recover from anything,' Vijayan said. The chief minister said that along with surviving, the state also witnessed many developmental projects in the past nine years of the LDF government, including completion of the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) pipeline, and natural gas supply for domestic and industrial usage. The Kochi-Mangalore gas pipeline was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021. 'If the LDF hadn't come to power in 2016, and if there was continuation of that power in 2021, what would have happened? We are on the way to a new Kerala. We have to do a lot more. And we need your support for it,' Vijayan said, adding that all sectors, including agriculture, education, and infrastructure, saw immense transformation under his tenure. The chief minister also launched a book on the state government's achievements titled Navakeralathinte Vijayamudra at the event. The celebrations that began in Kasaragod will conclude in the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, on 21 May. The event was attended by Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, Revenue Minister K. Rajan, Minister of Sports Kadannappalli Ramachandran, among others. Presiding over the event, Rajan said Kerala's development strategy is rooted in equality, where everybody will benefit irrespective of the geography or economic condition. 'The second LDF government came to power in 2021 with new faces, including me. At the first cabinet meeting, the only thing the CM put forward was to uplift the extremely poor in our state. We checked how many such families there were, and it was 64,000. We didn't give the money for education to temporarily fix it. 'We gave houses to those in need, ensured education. Before we step down, we wanted a permanent rehabilitation for them. Now we are proud to say that Kerala will be the only state in India without extreme poverty on 1 November,' Rajan said. The Opposition in Kerala, however, boycotted the celebrations with the Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan telling reporters Saturday that the government had pushed the state into a 'debt trap,' and ignored weaker sections, including protesting ASHA workers. LDF, said Satheesan, did not have the moral right to celebrate its anniversary. He also alleged that the state government was spending Rs 15 crore on the celebrations. Nearly a hundred Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) have been protesting outside the state secretariat for more than 70 days demanding a one-time retirement benefit, hike in honorarium and clearing of pending dues. Though multiple rounds of discussions were held with the state government, the parties have yet to reach a consensus. (Edited by Kartikay Chaturvedi) Also Read: Why Pinarayi's defending Vellappally Natesan, who he once slammed for 'surpassing all communal lunatics'
