Minister Reviews Northeast Monsoon Readiness in Tiruvottiyur and Manali

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister S. Ramesh on Saturday inspected northeast monsoon preparedness works in Tiruvottiyur and Manali, directing officials to accelerate desilting of waterbodies and canals, clear water hyacinth and position motor pumps in areas prone to waterlogging.

The Minister, who has recently been given charge of development and flood preparedness works in the two areas, began his inspection at the service road near the Tuna Fishing Harbour in Tiruvottiyur. He also examined a damaged retaining wall along the Buckingham Canal near the T.P.P. bridge, and reviewed the Kargil Nagar lake and its pumping facility.

In Manali, he visited the Puzhal surplus confluence point near the Jothi Nagar bridge, the Kosasthalaiyar river stretch between R.L. Nagar and Sadaiyankuppam, the Puzhal surplus confluence near the Burma Nagar bridge, and the surplus channel near the Amullavoyal bridge.

During the visits, the Minister instructed officials to remove blockages, reinforce weakened canal walls and step up stormwater drain works. He also called for basic facilities to be ensured at relief centres and community kitchens.

He further asked the departments concerned to coordinate their preparedness measures with the Greater Chennai Corporation, the Water Resources Department, the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, the Electricity Department and the Highways Department.