Kerala to seek Rs 117 cr for temple fire relief

 The Kerala government will seek Rs 117 crore from the Centre for relief and rehabilitation measures initiated in the wake of firework explosions at the Puttingal temple

As many as 108 people were killed and more than 350 injured in the incident at the temple in Paravur. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters in Kannur on Monday that the decision followed an official estimation of losses suffered in the April 10 incident.

“Houses and wells have been damaged. There are also health issues that need to be addressed. Based on the official report compiled on the losses, my letter seeking the assistance will be handed over to the Centre today (Monday) by the revenue principal secretary,” Chandy said. The government will also request the Centre to announce the Paravur incident as a national calamity.

The chief minister reiterated that the state government “welcomed” the visits by VVIPs to the accident location and said controversies surrounding the visits were uncalled for. State police chief T P Senkumar had stated that he opposed visits by leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi, on the day of the accident citing security issues and possibilities of rescue efforts being affected.