District administration gears up for southwest monsoon preparedness in Vellore, nearby districts

The district administration in each of the Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai districts is gearing up to handle the southwest monsoon, which is expected to commence in neighbouring Kerala.

A review meeting, chaired by the respective Collector in these districts, was held to ascertain the preparedness of various departments, including Revenue, Health, Tangedco, Water Resources Department (WRD), Rural Development, and the police ahead of the southwest monsoon. “Preventive measures in identified waterlogging and low-lying spots have been taken up. Adequate stocks of wood cutters, sandbags, snake catchers, ropes and utilities were also kept ready for emergency purposes,” said K. Ravikumar, Collector (Tirupattur).

Revenue officials said that the pre-monsoon summer showers had ensured significant widespread rain in these districts, especially in areas around Jawadhu Hills like Jolarpet, Yelagiri Hills in Tirupattur, Amirthi zoo (Vellore), Polur and Jamunamarathooor in Tiruvannamalai.

The water levels in many ponds, streams, and lakes in these districts are slowly increasing due to the rain. The ground water level has also steadily increased. It has helped farmers irrigate their farmlands.

District officials, especially those of the WRD, have been directed to inspect shutters and bunds of irrigation tanks and channels in the district. The bunds should be strengthened if found to be weak or damaged. Shutters are being repaired and operated.

All machineries like earthmovers required for relief and rescue operations were also made available in vulnerable areas. Community centres and marriage halls were refurbished with new water pipelines and proper ventilation to run as relief camps for displaced persons. Field level staff were advised to remain alert on rain-related complaints from residents.