Tamil Nadu forms expert panel to assess El Nino impact, suggest precautionary measures
Chennai, July 30
The Tamil Nadu government has formed an expert committee, as instructed by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, to monitor and advise the government on the impact of the expected strong El Nino event, identify areas that could be affected and suggest precautionary measures to deal with its possible impact.
According to a Government Order issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department on July 28, the committee has been formed under the Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency (TNDRRA).
The committee will monitor and assess the possible effects of El Nino and advise the government on steps to reduce risks from drought, floods and extreme rainfall.
The government order said that below-normal rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon could affect water inflows into the Cauvery River, while heavy rainfall and flooding could occur during the Northeast Monsoon.
The committee will also advise the government on climate change, coastal resource management and urban infrastructure based on scientific assessments.
The committee will be headed by the Additional Chief Secretary/Commissioner of Revenue Administration and State Relief Commissioner.
The panel includes experts from Anna University, IIT Madras, WRI India, Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company, the State Environment Appraisal Committee, Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute and Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited.
The committee will monitor rainfall and drought conditions, identify vulnerable areas and advise the TNDRRA on early warning systems.
It will also suggest measures to deal with drought and floods and help the government prepare in advance.
The committee will function during 2026-27 and 2027-28.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good move, but let's not forget the farmers in the Cauvery delta. If the southwest monsoon fails, they are the ones who suffer first. The panel should have at least one representative from farmer associations—not just professors and urban experts. Ground-level reality matters too.
I'm glad they're looking at both drought and flood scenarios. Tamil Nadu is unique because we depend on both monsoons—southwest for Cauvery, northeast for the rest. This committee should also coordinate with Karnataka and Kerala on water sharing, because when El Nino hits, everyone panics and fights over water. Better to plan together.
Setting up a committee is fine, but what about implementation? The article says it will function during 2026-27 and 2027-28. That's still two years away! We need immediate action on urban infrastructure—repairing stormwater drains, desilting reservoirs, and creating more rainwater harvesting structures. Don't wait for the committee to tell us what's obvious.
Nice to see the government being proactive. As someone living in coastal Chennai, I'm particularly interested in the coastal resource management part. We need better early warning systems and cyclone shelters. Also, this panel should look at mangrove restoration—it's our best natural defense against storm surges. 🌊
One small concern: the committee includes many urban infrastructure experts, but what about rural areas? Several districts in Tamil Nadu are drought-prone and have poor irrigation facilities. The panel should ensure that villages get priority in water
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.