The Congress on Monday credited the Central Government for effective handling of cyclone Phailin with exemplary courage and efficiency. Two UPA Ministers addressed a Press conference at the party headquarters to highlight steps taken by the UPA Government to make the country “disaster-resilient”.
“This very severe cyclone we predicted exactly. The track (of cyclone) we predicted exactly. The intensity we predicated exactly. Because of our early predication, huge evacuation took place. Our nation can congratulate itself,” Science & Technology Minister S Jaipal Reddy said addressing the media at AICC.
He was joined by MoS for Home Mullappally Ramachandran to brief about the achievement of IMD, NDMA and various government agencies in tackling the situation successfully. Ramchandran said the government was taking all steps to make the country “disaster-resilient”.
When asked as to why he was addressing a ministry’s Press conference at the AICC and whether the party was trying to take credit, Reddy remarked, “None of us can be ‘Sanyasi’. Why should you grudge if I give credit to UPA. Most of the investment in IMD equipments was made during the UPA rule”.
Reddy faced a number of questions on whether Congress and the party-led government, which is taking credit for the effective handling of the cyclone, will take the blame for the failure to predict and effectively handle the massive disaster in Uttarakhand due to heavy rains in June.
“Uttarakhand was a multi-dimensional disaster. It did not occur because of rains alone but also due to degradation of environment. The tragedy was because the dams breached and the environment got feeble. So it was a tragedy of tremendous magnitude and all ... Feel sorry, “ Reddy said. He steered clear of questions as to how much credit he would give to the BJD Government in Odisha.
“I do not want to make any political point. IMD was making prediction after prediction for four days. NDMA, state governments like Odisha did their job. Evacuation of one million people is a record in itself,” he said.
Party General Secretary Ajay Maken said Congress congratulates and records its appreciation as well as gratitude towards various government agencies in tackling the situation arising out of Phailin with exemplary courage and efficiency.
He also said the Central Government had asked all private telecom players to route signals via one tower, if needed and 26 vehicles to back up communication services have also been sent. The Oil ministry had ensured that all categories of fuel, right from aviation fuel to kerosene oil was in abundant supply in all the affected areas, he added.
Detailing the massive efforts, Maken said FCI godowns have stocked sufficient advance stock for six months. As many as 50,000 tarpaulins and 100 tonnes of flattened rice have been sent to the affected areas. Trains and air services too has been made operational, he said.