Kerala Rains: CM Pinarayi Vijayan Government to Utilise Onam Celebration Funds For Relief Operations

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 14: The Kerala government on Tuesday announced its decision to cancel the 'Onam' celebrations that take place every year. The government has in fact planned to utilise the fund

Written by: India.com News Desk Edited by: Kanimozhi Sudhakar

Published: August 15, 2018, 12:16 AM IST

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Onam festival cancelled due to heavy rains in Kerala.

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 14: The Kerala government on Tuesday announced its decision to cancel the ‘Onam’ celebrations that take place every year. The government has in fact planned to utilise the funds, allocated for the celebration, towards relief operations for those affected by the rainfall. So far 39 persons have been killed in the landslides and floods caused by the heavy rains.

Usually, Onam festivities are planned and conducted by the government across the district headquarters and in the state capital for a week. This year, the Onam festival falls on August 25. However, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reportedly stated the government’s resolution to cancel the programmes held in celebration of the Onam festival this year.

After a cabinet meeting, Vijayan said, “It would be grossly inappropriate on our part to indulge in celebrations when thousands of our fellow beings are suffering and we are seeking support from everyone to provide succour to those have sustained heavy losses.”

The incessant rainfall has led to the destruction of about 20,000 houses and damaged 10,000 km of roads in the state since August 8. The rainfall that has been lashing the state since August 8 has led to a displacement of over 30,000 people who are now in relief camps.

Vijayan said that a cabinet sub-committee would be soon formed to implement the relief and rehabilitation programmes. Vijayan reportedly said, “The money set aside for Onam will be used for relief. We seek everyone’s help in our efforts.” He also noted that, “The chief ministers of other states and various political party leaders, too, have extended all support. And within the state, voluntary organisations have plunged full swing into relief work.”

Owing to the floods in the state, state Governor P Sathasivam has also decided to cancel his reception at an Independence Day programme that is to take place tomorrow.

(With PTI inputs)