Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin chairs review meeting ahead of NE monsoon

CHENNAI: Chairing a review meeting to discuss the precautionary measures that should be taken up ahead of the upcoming northeast monsoon, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin issued a series of instructions to senior officials of various departments to ensure that public life is not disrupted in the event of heavy rains.

The meeting on Saturday was attended by Municipal Administration Minister KN Nehru, PWD Minister EV Velu, Electricity Minister V Senthilbalaji, Health Minister Ma Subramanian, and others, Chennai Mayor R Priya, senior officials, including Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, Finance Secretary T Udhayachandran and Chennai Corporation Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran.

The focus was on areas within Greater Chennai Corporation and neighbouring Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts, which reports flooding and water stagnation during monsoons.

During the meeting, Udhayanidhi stressed the need for immediate measures, including desilting storm water drains, sealing open pits and filling potholes. He also stressed on repairing electric cables and drinking water facilities.

Recalling the challenges faced by the public during the 2023 floods, he said the government machinery should ensure that all necessary precautions were implemented.

The key precautionary measures include the deployment of motor pumps to drain stagnant water from low-lying areas and using boats to evacuate people from flood-hit areas.

Udhayanidhi asked officials to provide relief supplies, including 1,000 milk packets and 1,000 bread packets to each ward.

He instructed officials to create WhatsApp groups involving government officials, MLAs, youth, and NGOs in every ward to provide people with necessary materials in case of emergency. Facilities should be set up to address public enquiries and provide assistance through the Integrated Command Centre (ICC).

Officials should take steps to remove fallen tree branches immediately. In areas where piped water cannot be supplied, water should be supplied through tankers to ensure that residents have access to safe drinking water.

The Minister also asked them to install lighting in flood-prone areas to enhance visibility during emergencies.

He urged government officials, ward members and MLAs to ensure the safety and well-being of people in the event of a flood.