Tirunelveli Collector reviews effects of Super El Nino, possible heavy downpour during northeast monsoon

District Collector Anand Mohan chaired a meeting with the senior officials of the district here on Wednesday to review the preparations to face the effects of Super El Nino including the predicted heavy downpour during the northeast monsoon this year.

As the weather research institutes have predicted acute dryness and abnormally high temperature till first week of October and heavy downpour during northeast monsoon this year as the effects of Super El Nino, Mr. Anand Mohan chaired the meeting here on Wednesday to review the preparations being made to face the nature’s vagary.

Addressing the meeting, the Collector said the southwest monsoon, which would usually bring copious influx of water into the major reservoirs of the district – Papanasam and Manimuthar Dams – had belied this year. Hence, water storage level in these two dams that would decide the fate of farming operations and drinking water supply in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts was far from satisfaction.

Since water was being released from the dams for ‘Kar’ season paddy cultivation, the officials should plan accordingly for maintaining drinking water supply as well.

Distribution of drinking water in village panchayats, town panchayats, municipalities and the corporation areas should be periodically reviewed by the officials concerned. Even as there was no sign of southwest monsoon getting revived, water level in the dams was depleting fast.

Hence, the rural and urban local bodies, after having a fair idea about the water availability, demand and supply, should chalk-out clear plans for sustaining the supply.

“Considering this adverse situation, the officials should keep ready other drinking water supply sources like deep borewells, open wells and other sources. At the same time, the dry irrigation tanks, which will come in handy for storing water during rains, should also be kept ready by desilting the channels bringing water into these water bodies,” Mr. Anand Mohan said, adding that the local bodies should also create awareness among the public of judicious use of drinking water.

Since the weather predictions point out possible heavy downpour during the northeast monson, also an impact of Super El Nino, the Collector asked the officials to list out the flood-prone areas and take every precautionary measure like strengthening bunds of the irrigation tanks, desilting the channels and wild streams, removing the blocks in storm water drains etc.

He also asked the officials to remove all encroachments – both permanent and temporary structures from the waterbodies.

“Every local body should prepare its flood mitigation plan by identifying vulnerable areas and prepare the right solution and submit the report in this connection to the revenue officials immediately,” Mr. Anand Mohan said.

District Revenue Officer S. Vidhya, Additional Collector (Development) Vinay Kumar Meena and senior officials participated in the meeting.