Tamil Nadu CM Vijay reviews Northeast monsoon preparedness in hilly areas, southern districts

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay held a review meeting on Tuesday to discuss precautionary and preparedness measures ahead of the Northeast monsoon in the southern interior and western districts of the state. The meeting focused on districts including Coimbatore, Dindigul, Erode, Karur, Madurai, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Tenkasi, Theni, and Virudhunagar.

Vijay directed Collectors to take necessary precautions based on the specific risks each location faces due to the monsoon, with special attention to hill areas prone to landslides, mudslides, and disruption of traffic caused by falling soil and rocks. He instructed officials to expedite slope stabilisation works, such as soil nailing, in vulnerable areas like Kodaikanal.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of continuously monitoring key roads and transport links in hill areas, ensuring the readiness of machinery and personnel to clear roads if needed. He also directed officials to ensure communication devices like Very High Frequency (VHF) equipment and satellite phones were operational, and to conduct mock drills and evacuation exercises in case of disruption due to heavy rain.

Collectors were asked to ensure canals, waterways, tanks, surplus water channels, and stormwater drainage systems functioned properly, as well as monitor flood-prone areas and maintain emergency action plans. They were also instructed to monitor paddy storage to prevent rain damage and identify essential commodities required during the monsoon, storing them in designated camps ready for use.

Vijay also asked officials to track dengue and fever cases in each district, coordinate with the Health Department for door-to-door inspections, and conduct awareness campaigns to encourage people to seek medical advice promptly if they exhibit symptoms. Authorities were urged to ensure government hospitals and primary health centres were prepared to detect dengue early, refer patients appropriately, provide necessary treatment, and maintain continuous monitoring.