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Chennai: With the intensification of the Northeast Monsoon and widespread rains affecting several districts, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday held a high-level meeting through video conference with the district collectors of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Thanjavur to assess the ongoing relief efforts and overall monsoon preparedness. Level review meeting was held.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the officials to intensify precautionary and rescue operations in sensitive and low-lying areas.
He directed the district administration to evacuate residents of coastal and flood-prone areas to safe shelters and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities like food, clean drinking water and medical care in relief camps.
Officials told Stalin that an average rainfall of 56.61 mm was recorded in the reviewed districts. He informed that all necessary equipment including JCBs, motor pumps, boats, power saws and transport vehicles were kept ready to immediately respond to any emergency arising out of heavy rains.
It said the power infrastructure covering 51,639 electric poles, 1,849 transformers and 1,187 conductors is completely secure and ready for rapid restoration in case of disruption.
Stalin also reviewed the paddy procurement process in the delta districts, stressing the importance of uninterrupted collection and transportation operations despite adverse weather.
He directed the officials to protect the harvested paddy from moisture damage and expedite its transportation from procurement centers to warehouses.
The Chief Minister said the state government has recommended that the Center reduce the permissible moisture content in paddy from 17 per cent to 22 per cent to reduce the burden on monsoon-affected farmers, and urged officials to seek central approval soon.
Reiterating that “no stone should be left unturned” in protecting lives and livelihoods, Stalin stressed that close coordination between departments is necessary to effectively mitigate the impact of monsoon.
During the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam and senior officials of revenue, disaster management, power and public works departments were present.
–IANS