Vanni Arasu Orders Monitoring of 80 Waterbodies Ahead of Northeast Monsoon

T.N. Minister Vanni Arasu reviews monsoon preparedness in Villupuram

Tamil Nadu Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu directed officials to inspect and continuously monitor 80 waterbodies under the Water Resources Department in the Tindivanam Assembly constituency as part of preparations for the Northeast monsoon.

The instruction was issued at a review meeting in Tindivanam on Saturday (October 24, 2026), held in the presence of Collector Sheik Abdul Rahman.

Focus on vulnerable areas

The Minister instructed departments to complete precautionary measures in vulnerable areas and keep relief shelters and rescue equipment ready.

He also directed officials to expedite the desilting of channels in municipal, town panchayat and village panchayat areas to prevent the accumulation of rainwater.

Officials were asked to pay particular attention to waterlogging-prone locations in wards 23 and 24 of Tindivanam municipality.

Areas affected during last year’s Northeast monsoon should be identified, and preventive work should be completed without delay, he said.

Pending road and drainage works should also be expedited, according to the directions issued at the meeting.

The Minister instructed officials to remove damaged trees and those at risk of falling.

They were also told to prevent tree branches from coming into contact with electricity lines and ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Shelters and rescue equipment

Relief shelters should be equipped with drinking water, electricity and toilets, the Minister said.

Officials were directed to inspect motor pumps, tree-cutting equipment, motorboats and other rescue equipment and keep them ready for deployment.

They were also asked to ensure chlorinated drinking water, intensify mosquito-control measures and prevent the spread of dengue and other diseases.

Arrangements should be made with volunteers to supply food, clothing, blankets and other essential commodities to affected families.

Vanni Arasu said 10 multipurpose shelters serving 13 fishing villages in Marakkanam taluk had been kept ready to accommodate about 6,700 people.

Four multipurpose cyclone shelters in Marakkanam town panchayat are also ready, he said.

Early-warning systems have been installed at 13 locations along the coast.

First responders and emergency helplines

A total of 1,540 trained first responders have been identified, including 645 in Tindivanam and 895 in Marakkanam, the Minister said.

He directed all line departments to work in coordination, with public safety receiving priority during heavy rain and flooding.

Residents can report monsoon-related emergencies to the round-the-clock district disaster control room on 1077 and 04146-223265, or through WhatsApp at 72001 51144.

Officials were instructed to act promptly on complaints received through these channels.

The report was published on October 25, 2026, at 12:26 pm IST.

Source: The Hindu