Sunday, December 25 2005 18:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Pondicherry: Pondicherry Lt Governor M M Lakhera has reassured tsunami affected villagers in the Union territory that the administration would continue to do its utmost to alleviate their sufferings and also redouble efforts to provide permanent rehabilitation and generate opportunities for sustainable livelihood.

In his message to the affected people on the eve of the first anniversary of the Tsunami, Lakhera said that the adversity had been used as an opportunity to give a new lease of life to the fishermen community along the coastal belt.

"Reconstruction of houses and provision of infrastructural facilities had been taken up on a war footing and houses had been handed over to some families," he said.

Acknowledging the moral and material support from the world community and also Non Governmental organizations, as well as the administration, he said initially, relief operations concentrated on providing succor to the affected.

"The Government has now commenced the task of rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected villages," he added.