Donations from public for cyclone relief cross Rs 100-crore mark

According to an official release, the total contribution from both the public and corporates in the CM’s Public Relief Fund is Rs 108.34 crore, as on Wednesday.

“Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had sought financial help from people to help those affected by cyclone Gaja. Based on his appeal, the public relief fund has been receiving donations,” the release said.

Gaja had inflicted a heavy damage to the delta region, bringing the life of the people to a standstill. The cyclone severely damaged lakhs of trees, vast swathes of agricultural land and livestock, thereby affecting the livelihood of those affected by it.

After the cyclone, the public contributions started pouring in. The government has been releasing the details of major contributors on a weekly basis.

Till the previous week, the total contribution had stood at Rs 87.88 crore. In the last one week, however, more than Rs 20 crore was deposited in the relief fund.

The major contribution has come from the employees of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC). They have donated Rs 13.15 crore, which is their one-day salary. The highest individual contribution of Rs 5 crore has come from the family of lottery kingpin Martin.