After downpour, OPS visits affected areas in Theni

Accompanied by Collector Pallavi M Baldev and other officials, the Deputy CM inspected the affected areas along Pillaiyar Oothu Odai at Thevaram and the farm lands where an elephant had strayed into. Since the Odai was damaged, flow of water had breached and entered the residential areas nearby. 

Besides, he also interacted with the Thevaram town panchayat residents, who sought adequate steps to prevent elephants from straying into human habitation. Subsequently, Panneerselvam instructed the Forest officials to immediately take necessary measures. He also appealed to remove encroachments in the water body.

During the inspection, he took stock of works to channelise rainwater in Thevaram, which received a considerable amount of rainfall, to the water body. Moreover, he made an on-the-spot assessment on desilting works undertaken from the Pillaiyar Oothu Odai, which carries the rain water, to Chinna Devikulam, to ensure free flow of water. He also instructed the officials concerned to take immediate action to drain out stagnant waters.

Further, the petitioners sought more sanitation and drinking water facilities from the Uthamapalayam Combined Water Supply Scheme, street lights and anganwadi centres in extended areas of town panchayats. Acting on the petitions, the Deputy CM instructed the officials concerned to initiate steps to fulfil the demands of people.

District Forest Officer Gouthaman, SP V Baskaran, Theni MP Parthiban, ASP Palani Kumar, Uthamapalayam Revenue Divisional Officer R Raja, Uthamapalayam Deputy SP Seemaichamy and others were present during the inspection.