SAIEM: With skies opening up to herald the arrival of the Northeast monsoon, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, here on a review visit, directed officials to buckle up to mitigate the vagaries of nature by working in tandem to ensure highest level of preparedness.
Addressing a review meeting of officials at the collectorate here on Tuesday, he raised the pitch for better rainwater harvesting mechanism as the weatherman has predicted copious rainfall this season. As per the forecast of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the State is set to receive sufficient rains, paving a smooth path for agricultural activities.
He called upon the water managers to harvest rainwater judiciously to augment groundwater table to offset impact of summer next year. While listing out ways to ensure maximum utilisation of rain, he dwelt upon the need for highest level of preparedness to tackle eventualities in an efficient manner. He also called upon the officials to ensure that Salem emerged as a model for other districts in this respect.
The Kudimaramathu scheme had been highIy beneficial in overcoming water shortage last year, which witnessed the worst drought in 140 years. Though drought has persisted for the past four years, the scheme ensured that Iakes and ponds were adequately filled. The State escaped acute drinking water shortage during the peak drought year. Extensive works were undertaken all over the State to desiIt and deepen Iakes and ponds. Special funds were allocated for this and were utilised well, the CM noted.
Stating that anti-dengue measures were being undertaken satisfactorily in his home district, the chief minister said that students should involve themselves in dengue prevention awareness during the weekend. Government hospitals were prepared to treat fever cases and they have been provided with the Iatest equipment that could count blood platelets in 40 seconds. The State was nearing 100 per cent fever free status on account of the measures undertaken, he pointed out.