Tamil Nadu CM orders pre-monsoon inspections, desilting ahead of Northeast rains

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat in Chennai to assess the state's readiness for the upcoming Northeast monsoon. The discussions focused on precautionary measures and inter-departmental coordination to minimise the impact of seasonal rains.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed that teams comprising ministers and senior officials conduct inspections at least twice a week in areas that witnessed flooding during previous monsoon seasons, along with other vulnerable zones. These visits are intended to ensure that such localities remain fully prepared to handle heavy rainfall.

A key directive was the holding of coordination meetings across all districts, bringing together officials from every department. Within the Greater Chennai Corporation area, the Chief Minister called for joint action involving the civic body, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Health and Family Welfare, Fisheries, Electricity and Chennai Metro Rail.

To facilitate the quick discharge of rainwater, Mr. Vijay instructed officials to remove water hyacinth from water bodies and desilt canals and stormwater drains. He also ordered the expeditious completion of pending drinking water, sewage and road works before the monsoon sets in.

The Electricity Department was told to immediately repair or replace weak electric poles and wires at risk of snapping. Officials were also asked to keep pumps ready for removing floodwater, electric saws and equipment for clearing fallen trees, and boats for evacuating residents from waterlogging-prone areas.

Preparations for shelter were also reviewed. The Chief Minister directed that community halls and schools be kept ready to accommodate people from low-lying areas, with community kitchens on standby to provide food and safe drinking water at relief camps.

Ministers and senior state government officials attended the meeting in person. District Collectors of Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai participated via videoconference.