In a statement, Veerapandian said the families had been living on land belonging to the Adhi Chennakesava Perumal Temple for more than 50 years, paying rent. The families were allegedly threatened with eviction, and police were deployed in the locality on September 7 before the houses of the 20 families were razed down, he said.

The CPI said it had joined the affected families in demanding protection of their homes and residential rights. It also urged the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to represent their interests in court and take steps to protect the rights of people who had been living on temple land for a long period after paying rent.

Cases were registered based on a complaint by the HR&CE against CPI district secretary SK Siva, All India Students' Federation district secretary Manikandan, district deputy secretary Abishek, Oppressed People's Livelihood Rights Movement district secretary R Sowmiya and deputy president Kamalakannan, among eight others, Veerapandian said, urging the State government to withdraw the cases immediately.

Delivering the inaugural address at a district-level Education Loan Mela jointly organised by the district administration at Lady Doak College here on Monday, the minister said Chief Minister Joseph Vijay was taking special care to ensure that all eligible students get education loans.

“The CM has decided to do away with the requirement of collateral security for loans of up to Rs 20 lakh. Instead, he suggested that a parent’s surety would be sufficient to provide the loan so that students could pursue their dreams without facing hurdles,” the minister said.

The minister was responding to Madurai CPM MP Su Venkatesan’s remarks that implementing the Rs 20-lakh loan scheme without collateral this year would be a milestone, though it would require considerable effort.

Viswanathan assured that the CM would definitely implement the scheme soon.

He further urged bankers not to cause difficulties for students and their families when they approached them for education loans. Instead, he requested them to allocate a specific time slot to personally address their needs and treat them with due respect.

Expressing regret that the central government provides educational loans only to students studying in 133 colleges in Tamil Nadu, the minister said this should change to enable students in all colleges, in both professional and non-professional courses, to avail themselves of loans.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Madurai CPM MP Su Venkatesan urged the Madurai District Collector to close the government accounts in private banks that were not providing education loans to students from disadvantaged sections.

A member of the Higher Education Standing Committee, Venkatesan, said it was disappointing that only public sector banks were helping students with education loans. The district administration should take strong action against private banks that are not extending education loans, he said.

In 2020, Maharashtra garnered 35% of the funds sanctioned by the central Government for education loans, while Tamil Nadu received only a single-digit share, he claimed. “Because of our consistent efforts, fund allocation has increased over the years, with Madurai receiving Rs 249 crore last year,” he said. The MP said the target for this year had been fixed at Rs 400 crore.

Later, Higher Education Minister Viswanathan distributed education loan sanction letters to 275 students, totalling Rs 30.37 crore. According to an official release, public sector banks sanctioned loans totalling Rs 28.20 crore, while private banks sanctioned loans totalling Rs 2.17 crore.

Tamil Nadu Eyes 25,000 target

State targets education loans for 25,000 students in the current financial year

Plans to relax norms to ensure education loans up to Rs 20 lakh without collateral

Parent’s surety will replace collateral security for eligible loans

Education loans currently available to students in 133 colleges in Tamil Nadu under the central scheme

Higher Education Minister called for extending coverage to all colleges and courses, including professional and non-professional courses

It is said that the family of N Raja (23), a resident of Arunthathiyar Street at Puthupalayam in Ariyalur, had long-standing enmity with his relative Kannaiyan (57) from the same place over a pathway. On Sunday night, Kannaiyan’s daughter Kavya, who wanted to go to her marital home along with her husband Arivazhagan through the controversial pathway. Kavya’s mother Karthika (48) and brother Vishwa (18) also accompanied them.

On learning that they were crossing the particular pathway, Raja, who was under the influence of alcohol, stopped them and picked up a quarrel.

On receiving information, Kannaiyan and his elder son Vinayagam alias Subramanian went to the spot, and soon, the duo stabbed Raja multiple times while Kannaiyan’s wife Karthika, son Viswa and son-in-law Arivazhagan supported the duo, and Raja died on the spot.

Ariyalur police rushed to the spot, retrieved the body, and sent it to the Ariyalur Government Medical College Hospital. The police registered a case and arrested Kannaiyan, Karthika, Vinayagam, Vishwa and Arivazhagan.

Meanwhile, on Monday morning, the family members of Raja and a few residents of Puthupalayam assembled in front of the Ariyalur district collectorate and staged a protest demanding the arrest of advocate Manimaran, who was the mastermind behind the murder.

Suddenly, they blocked the vehicle movements in Ariyalur-Jayankondam Main Road. A police team headed by Inspector Venkatesan rushed to the spot and attempted to arrest the protesting members. 

However, the people who were protesting besieged the police vehicle and raised slogans demanding the arrest of Manimaran. Later, five persons were asked to meet the district collector, and they submitted a petition to the collector demanding the arrest of the advocate. Upon assurance, they dispersed from the spot. The traffic was disrupted at Ariyalur-Jayankondam road for more than an hour.

Chairing a review meeting at the Secretariat, Vijay directed officials to identify areas vulnerable to seawater ingress, coastal erosion and flooding and keep details of vulnerable villages and residents ready for evacuation. He also asked authorities to ensure that weather and sea warnings reach fishermen on time and that cyclone shelters and multi-purpose evacuation centres are kept ready.

Schools and community halls should be prepared for use as relief camps when required, with drinking water, food, electricity, sanitation and medical facilities. Emergency response teams should remain equipped with boats, life jackets, ropes, generators and water pumps for rescue operations.

Vijay also directed officials to ensure that SMS and other warning systems reach the public and that satellite phones and emergency communication equipment remain functional. He ordered officials to protect paddy stocks stored in godowns from rainwater and use drones to inspect roads, storm water drains and bridges for maintenance.

At the meeting, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K A Sengottaiyan submitted to Vijay the preliminary report of the Expert Advisory Committee on Disaster Management on El Nino. On dengue, the government said the situation was being reviewed continuously, with district-wise monitoring of dengue and fever cases, areas witnessing an increase in cases, mosquito-breeding sites and the availability of fogging equipment.

The Chief Minister also directed Dengue Breeding Check (DBC) workers to conduct door-to-door inspections, identify and eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites, undertake larval control and intensify awareness and surveillance in high-risk areas. He also ordered government hospitals and primary health centres to remain prepared for early diagnosis, laboratory testing, clinical assessment, identification of warning signs, timely referral, fluid management, treatment of severe dengue cases and continuous medical monitoring.

Several ministers, Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar and senior officials attended. Health Minister GK Arunraj and collectors of 14 districts also joined via videoconference.

He was speaking to the media on Monday after attending a video-conference review meeting chaired by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay from Chennai to assess preparations for the approaching monsoon,

Elaborating further he said, “Erode has reported 329 dengue cases compared with 462 cases last year. To prevent further spread, people should ensure that rainwater does not stagnate in and around their houses.” he said.

On the upcoming by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, Arunraj said the TVK had a strong chance in the two constituencies. “A political party was deliberately orchestrating protests targeting TVK candidates during their campaign,” he said.

Earlier on way to the meeting venue the minister and senior officials were briefly trapped in a malfunctioning lift at the Erode Collectorate.

The minister and senior officials, including District Revenue Officer S Shantha Kumar, entered a lift in the new Collectorate building and selected the second floor. However, the lift developed a technical snag soon after it began moving and failed to stop at the selected floor.

Instead, it reached the seventh floor, where the doors failed to open. The lift then began moving downwards, prompting officials to alert the technical staff.

Before the technicians could reach the lift, it stopped at the sixth floor, and the doors opened, allowing the minister and the officials to exit safely. Arunraj subsequently used the staircase and another lift to reach the meeting venue.

The searches were conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, based on an FIR registered by the CBI, EOB, Chennai. The case concerns an alleged fraud of about Rs 116.79 crore involving Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), according to the ED.

The ED said its investigation found that PGC Corporation had availed loan facilities from IOB, with the account classified as a non-performing asset (NPA) in 2013 and declared fraudulent in 2020.

According to the agency, the accused allegedly submitted falsified and manipulated financial statements for 2011-12 to obtain enhanced credit facilities. The loan funds were allegedly diverted to personal accounts and foreign entities, followed by round-tripping of funds.

The agency further alleged that D Prem and Aadith D Vikram, directors of the firm, created a network of domestic and foreign companies and firms and diverted loan funds to them as investments. Some of the funds remitted abroad in the guise of investments were allegedly brought back and used for business expenses in India.

The ED also said inventory belonging to PGC Corporation, valued at more than Rs 235 crore, was allegedly sold to related entities without actual receipt of sale proceeds after the bank initiated loan recovery. The related entities were subsequently allowed to close without lenders' approval.

During the searches, the ED said it found assets and properties held in the names of the spouses and relatives of Prem and Vikram. It also alleged that businesses had been established in the names of spouses and employees, while the two accused ultimately managed and controlled them.

The searches resulted in the seizure of unexplained cash of about Rs 82 lakh, two luxury vehicles, laptops, pen drives, mobile phones, property documents and other incriminating documents, the agency said. Further investigation is under way.

Manoj Sivakumar from Tamil Nadu and Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham from Puducherry died while they were on their flight training.

The Consulate General of India in Vancouver on Sunday expressed condolences over their death.

"The Consulate General of India, Vancouver, expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of Shri Manoj Sivakumar and Shri Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham, two Indian students from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, who lost their lives in a tragic air accident in Canada during their flight training," the mission said in a post on X.

"Our heartfelt sympathies are with their bereaved families and loved ones during this difficult time. The Consulate stands ready to extend all possible consular assistance to the families in connection with the repatriation of the mortal remains to India. May the departed souls rest in peace," it said.

Sangeetha Arul Lal, who was employed as a counter clerk at the Tirusulam railway station, had travelled to Kottayam to attend a meeting of Southern Railway officials, an official release said.

According to Keralam Police, Sangeetha and her friend, who is also from TN, were returning from a visit to Vagamon, a tourist spot in Kottayam, when the landslide occurred on Sunday evening. “Mud fell onto the road, trapping Sangeetha, who was riding a scooter. Her friend managed to escape with injuries and was shifted to a hospital,” police said.

Local residents rushed to the spot and removed the mud to rescue Sangeetha. She was later taken to a hospital, where she was declared dead, police said. Police said that the condition of the injured woman was stable and her family members had been contacted.

The former chief minister will address a series of election rallies on September 24 and 26 in the constituency scheduled for bypoll on October 6, the party said in a release on Sunday night.

He would address "whirlwind campaign" meetings at Mamandur, Puthur, Devathur and Saravambakkam on September 24 and L Endathur, Ramapuram, Elappakkam and Orathi on September 26, a release said.

The by-election to Madurantakam was necessitated owing to the resignation of former AIADMK legislator Maragatham Kumaravel who defected to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in May. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK founder C Joseph Vijay has nominated her to contest on the party's "whistle" symbol.

Accusing the TVK of allegedly indulging in horse-trading, Palaniswami has fielded Kanitha Sampath, a former MLA, to take on Maragatham Kumaravel in the latter's home turf in the keenly watched contest where the DMK, Naam Tamilar Katchi and the Left parties are also contesting.

Besides Madurantakam, the bypoll will also be held in Dharapuram, where P Sathyabama, who had won on the "Two Leaves" symbol in the 2026 Assembly polls, resigned less than a month after her victory to join the TVK.

The government bus, operated by the TNSTC, was travelling from Tiruvannamalai to the Kilambakkam bus terminus with around 42 passengers.

At around 7.15 am, the bus was nearing Palaveli near Chengalpattu when an over-speeding sand lorry coming from Mahindra World City Industrial Estate towards Chennai, collided with the bus. Police said the lorry driver lost control of the vehicle, crossed the central median and entered the opposite way.

Upon information, the Chengalpattu Taluk police and Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the spot and began rescue operations with the help of motorists. The lorry driver, Anand (45), died on the spot. The bus driver, Surya (40), and around 16 other passengers were injured.

The injured were rescued and admitted to the Chengalpattu GH and private hospitals for treatment. Following the accident, traffic on the Trichy-Chennai NH was severely affected for more than two hours.

Police and Fire and Rescue Services used cranes to remove the damaged vehicles from the road and restore traffic movement. The Chengalpattu Taluk police have registered a case and are conducting an investigation into the accident.

Talking to reporters after inaugurating a renovated noon-meal kitchen at MOP Vaishnav Higher Secondary School in Triplicane here, Rajmohan said CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam was entitled to criticise the government, but maintained that the alliance remained intact.

“The TVK–Communist alliance is very firm. It is also democratic. Comrade Shanmugam can make any criticism; it is his right,” he said.

On Shanmugam’s question over whether a Government Order concerning the proposed Secretariat-cum-Assembly complex at Pattinapakkam was issued without the Chief Minister’s knowledge, Rajmohan questioned the intent behind the criticism.

He said the government would consider the views of fishermen, local residents and environmental activists before taking a final decision on the project.

“No final decision has been taken. The Chief Minister has every right to consider the views of the people and take a decision. Officials will also submit their report,” he said, adding that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay would take a good decision after consultations.

On the expanded breakfast scheme, which is set to cover more students from Tuesday, Rajmohan said a committee was being constituted to finalise a nutritious and tasty menu. Until then, steps would be taken to ensure quality food was served to students.

On teachers’ transfers, he said the government was committed to transparency and would not tolerate money being exchanged for transfers. Applications would be processed online, he said.

Responding to allegations by former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh that a case against him was politically motivated, Rajmohan said the government would not spare anyone found guilty. “Whoever has committed a mistake, we will not spare them,” he said.

On the reported increase in fever cases, Rajmohan said his department was coordinating with the Health Department and advised parents to seek immediate medical attention if children developed fever or unusual fatigue. He also cautioned against self-medication.

After the AIADMK questioned the legitimacy of such a demand, the DMK and the saffron party have sought clarification from Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik over its legality.

DMK organising secretary and former MP RS Bharathi, after meeting Patnaik on Monday, questioned the inclusion of Congress MP Manickam Tagore, VCK leaders Thol Thirumavalavan and Vanni Arasu, MDMK leaders Vaiko and Durai Vaiko and IUML leader Kader Mohideen in the TVK star campaigner list.

"Have the Congress and VCK lost their recognised-party status, or have they joined the TVK?" he asked, questioning the basis on which leaders of other parties had been included in the ruling party's list. He also urged the EC to take campaign expenditure incurred by such leaders in the candidates' election expenses, wherever applicable.

Bharathi also questioned the deployment of police personnel for candidates, alleging that the security arrangements were intended to address opposition faced by TVK nominees. He said the DMK did not require such protection.

He alleged that the bypolls were necessitated by the purchase of two MLAs and claimed that Congress leaders had been brought into the TVK fold after being offered ministerial berths.

Bharathi said DMK president MK Stalin's campaign schedule would be announced in the next two or three days.

BJP state secretary 'Karate' R Thiagarajan has also sought clarification from the poll panel on the issue.

According to the RMC, the low-pressure system over the East central Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards and lay as a well-marked low-pressure area over the East central and adjoining West central Bay of Bengal at 8:30 on Monday. It is expected to move northwestwards, intensify into a depression over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal in the next 24 hours, and further concentrate into a deep depression over the Westcentral and Northwest Bay of Bengal during the subsequent 24 hours.

"Continuing its northwestward movement, the system is likely to reach near the north Andhra Pradesh - south Odisha coasts by the morning of September 23," the RMC added.

Meanwhile, the weather department released the rainfall data recorded over the past 24 hours. Periyanaickenpalayam in Coimbatore recorded the highest rainfall at 21 cm, followed by Manamadurai with 18 cm, Rishivandhiyam with 14 cm, Sankari Durg with 12 cm, and Kamudhi with 10 cm.

Similarly, parts of Chennai witnessed widespread light to moderate rainfall on Sunday night. Sholinganallur received 4 cm of rain, while Injambakkam, Nerkundram, Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, Kannagi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Saligramam, and Anna Nagar West recorded 3 cm each. Aminjikarai, Valasaravakkam, Saidapet, and Adyar received 2 cm of rainfall each.

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay reviewed the preparations for the scheme at a meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday. He had announced the expansion in the Assembly on August 24, stating that women should not lose opportunities because of transportation costs.

At present, women travel free on ordinary city buses operated by the seven State Transport Undertakings and on ordinary buses operating on ghat routes up to 40 km.

Under Vetri Payanam, the facility will be extended to Express, LSS, and Deluxe buses operating in metropolitan and urban areas, besides mofussil ordinary buses and ordinary buses in ghat areas operating on routes exceeding 40 km.

Of the 18,413 scheduled buses operated by the seven transport undertakings, 12,692 buses, or 69 per cent, will be covered under the scheme. It will cover 1,65,312 of the 1,94,649 scheduled single trips, accounting for 85 per cent. Around 84.32 lakh women are expected to benefit from the scheme every day.

Integration of the buses with electronic ticketing machines has been completed, while testing and verification will be completed by September 25, followed by trial runs on September 27.

The scheme will enable women to travel free to workplaces, colleges, hospitals and other essential services.

Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban and senior officials attended the meeting.

The scheme is being implemented in convergence with the Centre's PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Under the central scheme, domestic consumers installing rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW are eligible for a subsidy of Rs 78,000. This comprises Rs 30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and Rs 18,000 for the third kW. With the additional state subsidy, the total subsidy for a rooftop solar system of up to 3 kW will be Rs 1 lakh.

The state government has sanctioned Rs 50 crore for implementing the scheme. Under the state component, consumers will get Rs 5,000 for systems up to 1 kW, Rs 10,000 for systems up to 2 kW and Rs 22,000 for systems of 3 kW and above.

Nirmalkumar said the government had launched an integrated portal https://www.tnebltd.gov.in/usrp/ to simplify the entire process, from applying for the scheme and accessing the central subsidy to vendor installation, state subsidy disbursement and meter installation.

"At present, consumers face difficulties in knowing where and through whom to apply. There are several stages, including vendor installation and meter installation. We have integrated all these processes into a single portal to make them simple and faster," he said.

The minister said meter installation, which had emerged as a major source of delay, would also be monitored through the integrated system. He said there was no shortage of meters and the new system would allow consumers to track where their application was pending and for how long.

The portal will also be integrated with the electricity utility's customer application, enabling consumers to track their applications without using a separate application. Complaints can also be lodged through the system.

TNEB CMD V Arun Roy said Tamil Nadu was already a leader in renewable energy production and distribution and the state's decision to provide an additional subsidy would strengthen its position further.

"We are already a leader in renewable energy production and distribution. Today's scheme, where the state government is coming forward to add its share of subsidy, will go a long way in reinforcing our position in renewable energy production and distribution," he said.

According to data, 1,13,714 applications have so far been made under the rooftop solar scheme, of which 97,732 installations have been completed. The total installed capacity under the scheme is 337.49 MW.

Overall, rooftop solar installations in the HT and LT categories across Tamil Nadu have reached 1,859.27 MW.

The government has designated Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Ltd (TNGECL) as the nodal agency for coordination, monitoring and review of the scheme, while Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) will function as the Programme Management Agency. TEDA will facilitate beneficiary details and subsidy disbursement through direct benefit transfer.

"Our minimum target is one lakh rooftop solar installations by the end of March. If we cross that target, the Chief Minister has given permission to seek additional funds and increase the subsidy based on the requirement," Nirmalkumar said.

The Rs 50 crore allocation will be released based on the actual subsidy requirement. The government has also directed TNGECL to implement the scheme on a full-scale basis and cover as many beneficiaries as possible.

Nirmalkumar said the Energy department would undertake a wider awareness campaign to encourage households to adopt rooftop solar and make use of the new portal.

Rooftop solar:

• Applications received: 1,13,714

• Installations completed: 97,732

• Installed capacity under the scheme: 337.49 MW

• Total rooftop solar capacity in HT & LT categories: 1,859.27 MW

The Chief Minister has sought frequent updates on the investigation and directed senior police officials to pursue every lead and establish the full extent of the alleged offences, sources said.

Vijay has also instructed the police to ensure the safety and protection of the survivors and handle the case with sensitivity, particularly while recording their statements and dealing with those who were minors at the time of the alleged offences.

The directions come as the probe has widened considerably. Police have identified seven more minor girls who allegedly suffered sexual abuse and recorded their statements before the Special Pocso Court, according to police sources. Investigators are also examining whether there were more survivors and whether the alleged offences extended over several years.

Chief Minister has sought frequent updates on the probe and directed senior police officials to pursue every lead and establish the full extent of the alleged offences

The case was registered in October 2025 after police received a USB drive containing a video purportedly showing the sexual abuse of a minor girll.

The police initially sought to close the case after failing to identify and trace the survivor. The Special Pocso Court rejected the closure report and ordered further investigation, following which a special team was formed.

The renewed probe led to the arrests of Veeramani, his associate Shanthi and her husband Mahendra Simhan in August. Police are now examining material seized during searches and investigating whether other persons were involved. The investigation remains under way.

In a statement, Udhayanidhi accused the ruling TVK government of prioritising publicity over farmers' interests and questioned its decision to release water from Mettur on September 1.

He alleged that farmers had sought the release of water towards the end of September, when the reservoir's storage was expected to be higher, but the government had opened the dam earlier.

"With the inflow into the reservoir declining and the water level falling, farmers are uncertain whether water will reach the tail-end areas and be available during the critical flowering stage of the crop," Udhayanidhi said.

He cited the DT Next report, which said Mettur storage had declined to 47.809 TMC from 50.977 TMC on September 13, while inflow stood at 4,484 cusecs. Agricultural technocrat P Kalaivanan had advised farmers dependent on river irrigation to avoid samba cultivation, while those with adequate borewell facilities could consider direct sowing.

The DMK leader also criticised Vijay over his remarks on the kuruvai special package and drought relief, alleging that the government had failed to address the concerns of farmers seeking complete crop-loan waiver.

Udhayanidhi demanded immediate drought relief and complete waiver of crop loans for farmers, urging the government not to compromise their interests for publicity.

The Chief Minister will formally launch the expanded scheme at 8.30 am at the Chennai Middle School in Gandhi Gramam, Tiruvanmiyur, here.

The scheme, currently covering students of Classes 1 to 5, is being extended to Classes 6 to 8 with the objective of ensuring that children attend school without hunger and remain focused on their studies. Studies over the years have also shown that such schemes also help reduce dropout rates, as economically backward families, who often tend to send their children to work instead of attending school, are keen to send the kids to school.

The expansion will cover around 15.30 lakh students in 15,454 government and government-aided middle schools across Tamil Nadu.

The State government has allocated an additional Rs 217.63 crore for the scheme in the current financial year, taking its total allocation to Rs 724 crore.
The expanded scheme will be rolled out across the State from Tuesday, except in Chengalpattu and Tirupur districts, where the Model Code of Conduct is in force in view of the October 6 Assembly by-elections in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies.

In a social media post, Vijay congratulated Elavenil for winning silver in the individual women's 10m air rifle event and being part of the Indian team that secured silver in the team event.

"My heartfelt congratulations to Elavenil Valarivan, who won silver in the individual 10m air rifle event and was part of the Indian women's team that won silver in the team event at the Asian Games in Japan," he said.

Vijay said the achievements of the Indian women shooters were commendable and would inspire youngsters to set goals, persevere and strive to achieve them.

He also wished the athletes who had brought laurels to the country continued success and hoped their winning journey would create many more milestones.

Elavenil had earlier teamed up with Sonam Maskar and Vidarsa K Vinod to win silver in the women's 10m air rifle team event before securing another silver in the individual final on Sunday, opening India's medal account at the games.

Noting that Mettur water release for 45 days would be insufficient to realise samba cultivation across the Delta region, the farmers said they are left at the mercy of groundwater to go ahead with the cultivation.

Groundwater usage requires an uninterrupted power supply and new power connections, they said and urged the release of long-pending connections.

“The state government had announced only 50,000 new connections during the annual budget 202627. There are more than 2.86 lakh farmers awaiting in addition to 44,296 farmers who applied through the Tatkal scheme. The government should clarify who would be given priority in the allotment of 50,000 new connections,” said Swamimalai Sundara Vimalnathan, secretary, Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers Protection Association.

Alleging that the government provided new connections only to farmers with political influence or money power in past years, he urged the state government to increase the allotment from 50,000 connections to at least one lakh.

He appealed to the government to provide 10,000 connections reserved for farmers through the social justice scheme, including SC/ST farmers, widows, ex-servicemen, differently abled and legal heirs of freedom fighters and ensure power supply within 15 days of application.

Vimalnathan pointed out that states like Telangana, Andhra, Karnataka and Odisha distribute power connections to farmers within 30 days of application,” he added.

Inaugurating the initiative at Killukudi village near Kizhvelur in Nagapattinam, District Collector KJ Praveen Kumar said a target of 1.26 lakh acres of samba cultivation for the district has been fixed on par with the previous year.

“As per the availability of water, the farmers were advised to take up direct sowing of medium-term paddy this year and complete the direct sowing by September end. To satisfy the seed requirement, a stock of 2,248 MT certified paddy seeds is stocked in the district, and the farmers can avail 50% subsidy on seeds,” he noted.

A stock of 2,248 MT certified paddy seeds is stocked in the district centres, and the farmers can avail 50% subsidy on seeds, said Collector Praveen Kumar urea (2,161 MT), DAP (912 MT), potash (210 MT), mixed fertilisers (604 MT), liquid biofertilizers (17,852 litres) and micronutrient mixtures (24 MT) have been stocked in the district centres, which the farmers can order through Uzhavan App or through the web portals.

Pointing out that the water bodies have been desilted to utilise the entire discharge from the Grand Anicut for cultivation, he said Nagapattinam district, located at the tail end of the Cauvery and the Vennar, gets irrigation through as many as 15 branch rivers and several irrigation canals. All the water bodies are kept ready to ensure free flow of water, he noted.

Sivaganga Revenue Divisional Officer JP Gracia handed over appointment orders for the posts of Dengue Eradication Workers to Poomani, sister of Poopandi, and Radhakrishnan, brother of Deivendran, at the Sivaganga Government Medical College Hospital.

A gang allegedly chased and hacked to death Deivendran of Kayavodai village near Kalayarkoil and Poopandi of Siruvelangudi village near Sivaganga while the duo were consuming alcohol at Kodaikkadu irrigation tank in Pazhamalai Nagar near Sivaganga on September 16. The gang had allegedly mistaken them for members of another group with whom they had clashed near the same tank on the same day.

The police have so far arrested 13 persons in connection with the case.

However, the relatives of the deceased had been protesting for the past three days, demanding a government job for one member of each family and compensation of Rs 50 lakh each. On Saturday, they blocked the Thanjavur-Manamadurai National Highway, disrupting traffic for nearly an hour. The police detained some villagers while clearing the road and released them later.

After receiving the temporary government job orders, the relatives agreed to receive the bodies after the post-mortem examinations were completed. The bodies were subsequently handed over to the families, who took them to their respective native villages for the final rites. The bodies were transported in ambulances under heavy police security.

The family members also condemned the TVK government, alleging that the local Minister had neither visited them nor spoken to them over the phone following the incident.

The alertness of the loco pilot, who immediately stopped the train helped avert a major mishap. The SMVT Bengaluru Express (Train No. 17236), bound for Bengaluru from Nagercoil, was passing through the rain-hit stretch between Muthampatti and Sivadi railway stations when the incident occurred.

As the train crossed Muthampatti at around 4.50 a.m., a boulder suddenly rolled down the hillside and struck the train’s wheel assembly with a loud bang. The impact startled passengers who were asleep, several of whom woke up in panic.

Hearing the unusual noise, the loco pilot immediately brought the train to a halt. During an inspection, railway staff found that equipment near the wheel had been damaged. The damaged component was secured with a rope to a nearby support structure, allowing the train to proceed cautiously towards Dharmapuri railway station.

The district had received heavy rain through the night, triggering a landslip in the hilly stretch between the two stations. The train, which normally reaches Dharmapuri at around 5 a.m., arrived delayed at about 5.20 a.m. Railway technical staff rectified the damage, after which the train resumed its journey to Bengaluru at around 5.50 a.m.

Meanwhile, railway personnel deployed a poclain machine to remove the boulder from near the track. The railway police in Dharmapuri have begun an inquiry into the incident.

The case was registered by the Coimbatore DVAC earlier this month, under Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code and Section 13 (2) read with Section 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

The accused are former Municipal Commissioner R Murugesan (60), former municipal engineer G Murugesan (60) and former assistant engineer D Nagarajan (61). The FIR was filed after a detailed enquiry ordered by the DVAC director in September 2024.

According to the FIR, road restoration works covering 13.66 km were taken up under the Tamil Nadu Urban Road Infrastructure Programme (TURIP) 2016-17, at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore. The works were executed between September and December 2016, and three contractors were paid Rs 3.93 crore.

The enquiry alleged that the officials were aware that the same roads would soon be excavated for underground sewer pipelines under the Under Ground Sewerage Scheme. The sewerage work commenced on October 13, 2016, while excavation of the newly laid roads began on December 28, 2016.

The DVAC said the materials collected prima facie indicated criminal conspiracy and abuse of official position, resulting in wrongful loss to the government. The FIR has been submitted to the Principal District and Sessions Court, Coimbatore, for further proceedings.

The farmers surrounded Sathyabama’s campaign vehicle and questioned her over the water crisis, alleging that she had failed to safeguard the interests of farmers dependent on the PAP system.

A section of the protesters accused Sathyabama of exerting pressure on Water Resources Department officials to release water from the PAP system to the Uppar Dam, for political gain. The farmers opposed such a release, arguing that diverting water to Uppar Dam could affect irrigation supplies in parts of Coimbatore and Tirupur districts.

They maintained that only surplus water from the PAP system should be released to Uppar Dam and urged that the interests of farmers dependent on the project’s irrigation network be protected.

The protesters raised slogans against Sathyabama and questioned her return to the constituency to seek votes without resolving their long-standing concerns. As the protest intensified, Sathyabama attempted to defuse the situation from her campaign vehicle. She told the farmers that she would not take any step detrimental to the interests of PAP farmers.

“I only insisted on stringent action against water theft,” she said, while responding to the allegations.

The protesters, however, continued their opposition and demanded that she stop campaigning in the area. With tension mounting, police personnel intervened and attempted to pacify the protesters.

The situation remained tense for some time before Sathyabama eventually left the area, bringing her campaign programme to an end.

Sathyabama had earlier been elected MLA from Dharapuram on an AIADMK ticket. She subsequently resigned and joined the TVK.

The guide proposes structured SDG clubs with defined governance mechanisms, student leadership roles, regular activities and an annual monitoring system to assess their performance.

Titled ‘SDG Clubs: Shaping Change Agents for Sustainability – A Practical Guide for Setting up SDG Clubs in Educational Institutions’, it’s intended for schools, colleges and universities, and seeks to translate the UN’s 17 SDGs into locally relevant activities while encouraging students to participate in addressing social, economic and environmental issues.

According to the document, SDG clubs are envisaged as platforms that can move students beyond classroom learning and one-time awareness campaigns towards continuous engagement, leadership and measurable community impact. The clubs are expected to bring together students, teachers, parents, local governments, NGOs and experts to work on sustainability-related priorities.

The guide notes that the SDGs, adopted by 193 UN member states in 2015 under the Agenda 2030 framework, comprise 17 goals and 169 targets. These include poverty eradication, food security, health, quality education, gender equality, clean water, clean energy, employment, sustainable infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action, protection of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, inclusive institutions and global partnerships.

The proposed SDG club structure includes an institutional head, an advisory board, a staff coordinator, a student coordinator and student goal champions. Students should be assigned responsibility for individual SDGs, enabling them to promote awareness among peers and develop activities related to their chosen goals.

The clubs are also expected to encourage interdisciplinary participation, partnerships with other SDG clubs, networking with professionals and alumni, volunteering, research, documentation and participation in regional or national SDG-related events.

For colleges, the guide describes SDG clubs as advanced platforms for leadership, innovation and action-oriented learning. Students will undertake research, internships, project-based learning, policy engagement, campus planning, innovation challenges, start-up initiatives and volunteering with government bodies and communities.

SPC also identifies SDG localisation as an important role for college clubs. Students could work with local governments, NGOs and other institutions on issues such as clean water, waste management and renewable energy. They will also undertake data collection and research, develop pilot projects and contribute to policy discussions.

For schools, activities are to be tailored according to age. Primary school students could participate in storytelling, games, art activities, gardening, SDG badges and simple sustainability habits. Middle school students could take part in workshops, debates, eco-club activities, community service and project-based learning. Secondary school students could be introduced to student-led governance, sustainable school projects, Model United Nations, entrepreneurship, climate campaigns, field visits and collaborative projects.

The guide specifically proposes a ‘Young SDG Heroes Club’ for primary students aged 6-10, with short bi-weekly sessions led by teachers and parental involvement. Activities include storytelling, visual learning, art and craft projects, waste-sorting games, school gardening, litter-free days, water-saving activities and educational visits.

Gender inclusivity is given a specific place in the proposed framework. Clubs are expected to promote equal representation in leadership, prevent discrimination and harassment, use gender-sensitive communication and provide leadership-development opportunities. The guide also calls for gender-disaggregated participation data and partnerships with organisations working on gender equity.

Community engagement is another major component laid out by SPC. Suggested activities include waste segregation drives, water conservation projects, health-awareness campaigns, tutoring, support for vulnerable communities, lake and pond restoration, tree planting and neighbourhood clean-up programmes. SDG clubs will also work with Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies on surveys, awareness campaigns, behaviour-change initiatives and community mobilisation.

The guide proposes a 100-point SDG club scorecard to enable institutions or the State department to assess clubs annually. The framework covers club functioning, awareness and education activities, community engagement, partnerships and governance linkages, student capacity building, innovation and research, campus sustainability and the quality of reporting. The monitoring toolkit is also intended to track annual plans, activities and student skill development.

The document further emphasises accessibility and inclusive participation, including support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and students with disabilities. It envisages SDG clubs as a long-term mechanism through which educational institutions can embed sustainability into academic and extracurricular life while connecting students with local development challenges.

Overall, the proposed framework positions SDG clubs not merely as environmental or awareness clubs, but as structured student-led platforms combining education, community engagement, innovation, leadership and local governance. The objective is to enable students to translate the global SDG framework into practical initiatives within their schools, colleges, neighbourhoods and communities.

SDGs’ targets

• Poverty eradication

• Food security

• Health

• Quality education

• Gender equality

• Clean water, energy

• Employment

• Sustainable infrastructure

• Sustainable cities

• Reduced inequalities

• Responsible consumption

• Climate action

• Protection of marine, terrestrial ecosystems

• Inclusive institutions

• Global partnerships

Club structure

• Institutional head

• Advisory board

• Staff coordinator

• Student coordinator

• Student goal champions

Activities for schoolkids

• Primary school: Participate in storytelling, games, art activities, gardening, SDG badges and simple sustainability habits

• Middle school: Participate in workshops, debates, eco club activities, community service and project-based learning

• Secondary school: Participate in student-led governance, sustainable school projects, Model UN, entrepreneurship, climate campaigns, field visits and collaborative projects

Community engagement

SDG clubs will also work with Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies on surveys, awareness campaigns, behaviour-change initiatives and community mobilisation, and implement the following:

Waste segregation drives

Water conservation projects

Health-awareness campaigns

Tutoring

Support for vulnerable communities

Lake and pond restoration

Tree planting and neighbourhood clean-up drives

Addressing a meeting at Madurantakam, Arjuna had put the Communists on the spot over alleged corruption in the previous regime, particularly in the highways and public works departments.

"Did corruption take place in the highways department? Did corruption take place in the public works department? Communist comrades should answer," he said.

Arjuna alleged that a 27% commission system prevailed in government contracts, with 10% allegedly going to a "family fund", 8% to a ministerial fund and 7% to officials. He also questioned the Communists on alleged irregularities in CMDA and TASMAC and alleged that ministers and the then chief minister received money.

Arjuna claimed the TVK government had addressed the alleged commission system by reducing tender estimates in the highways department by 27%. He said 27 tenders had been awarded after such reductions and cited a tender worth around Rs 65 crore as an example.

Reacting to the remarks, Subbarayan questioned the TVK leadership over its handling of MLAs who had won on the BJP-AIADMK alliance ticket.

"Why did you make the MLAs who won on the BJP-AIADMK alliance ticket resign? Why did you induct them into the TVK immediately after their resignation? Why did you select two of them as TVK candidates?" he asked.

Subbarayan sought an explanation for what he termed the "political motive" behind the moves and questioned the TVK's claim of being a clean political alternative.

"If corruption and irregularities are established, the Communists will oppose them, whoever is involved, " he said.

CPM state secretariat member K Kanagaraj, meanwhile, turned the attack towards the TVK government's claim of upholding social justice.

"Minister Aadhav Arjuna should answer this. You have named your alliance the Social Justice Alliance. If 4,724 nurses are appointed only on a contract basis, how is social justice being ensured?" he asked.

Kanagaraj questioned the proposed contractual appointment of nursing college teachers and other staff and also asked how the government could claim social justice while appointing 2,047 conductors and ministerial staff on contract.

He also alleged that subsidies for nutritious meal centres had not been released for three months.

"What kind of social justice is it to delay the subsidy meant for the food of poor children?" he asked.

They were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, and further probe is under way.

After a video clip showing the students involved in the clash went viral on Sunday, the police warned that strict action would be taken against those sharing such videos.

According to the police, a 17-year-old school student from Vannarpettai and a polytechnic student from Thalaiyuthu had quarrelled over a social media post.

Subsequently, the polytechnic student, along with his friends, allegedly intercepted and assaulted the school student at the Tirunelveli Junction bus stand.

Based on a complaint, the Junction police registered a case and, after an inquiry, apprehended eight juveniles and produced them before the Juvenile Justice Board.

Meanwhile, the Tirunelveli City Police, in an official release, stated that action had been taken against eight students in connection with the altercation at the Junction bus stand.

Letters had also been sent to the principals of the school and polytechnic college concerned, asking them to take disciplinary action against the students.

The police further warned that posting videos on social media in a manner that reveals the identities of juveniles amounts to a violation of Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

In a circular dated September 19, Tasmac said that its Board of Directors had approved the welfare measure through Resolution No 23/2026 dated August 31, following representations from trade unions and labour associations.

The measure was subsequently announced by the Prohibition and Excise Minister in the Assembly on the same day. The advance can be availed for Pongal, Deepavali, Christmas, Ramzan, Bakrid or any other religious festival permitted or notified by the Tamil Nadu government.

Only one advance can be sanctioned to an employee in a year, and a fresh advance will be granted only after the earlier amount is fully recovered. An eligible employee must submit a written option to the District Manager, specifying the festival, at least one month before the month in which it falls.

The advance will be disbursed along with the remuneration for the month immediately preceding the festival month. If no option is exercised, it will be paid with the December remuneration for Pongal. The amount will be recovered in 10 equal monthly instalments of Rs 2,000, beginning the month following disbursement. For advances paid with December remuneration, recovery will run from January to October.

If an employee leaves Tasmac service before full recovery, the outstanding amount will be recovered in one lump sum. District Managers have been directed to maintain employee-wise records and ensure strict compliance with the scheme.

According to the FIR registered on September 8, the accused are Dr M Raju, formerly Director of Medical and Rural Health Services (ESI), G Jeeva, formerly Superintendent of the Store Section, and M Rakesh and N Nagalingam, both formerly assistant officials in the Store Section.

The case follows a preliminary inquiry based on a letter from the Director of Medical and Rural Health Services, in which it was found that medicines were procured by violating prescribed procurement procedures, resulting in financial loss to the government.

The FIR states that an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) identified irregularities in the procurement process. It specifically cited the purchase of Rub N Run Oil and Liver Tonic at prices much higher than those of equivalent medicines available under the Running Rate Contract or through Tamil Nadu Medicinal Plant Farms & Herbal Medicine Corporation Limited (TAMPCOL).

The alleged excess expenditure on these purchases amounted to Rs 1.59 crore, said the FIR, adding that several procurement-related files were found missing during a subsequent inspection.

The preliminary inquiry allegedly found that the officials placed purchase orders without following prescribed procedures and without obtaining necessary approvals or no-objection certificates.

The case has been registered under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code. The investigation has been taken up by the Chennai City Special Unit-III.

The study found dissolved oxygen (DO) levels of just 0.1 to 0.2 mg/L at the point where the river enters from Karnataka. According to the firm, BioSynk, the near-zero oxygen level indicates severe organic pollution and conditions unsuitable for aquatic life.

Healthy freshwater ecosystems generally require DO levels of around 7 to 9 mg/L, while prolonged exposure to levels below 4 mg/L can adversely affect fish and other aquatic organisms.

Kelavarapalli dam, located about 8 km from the Karnataka border and 10 km from Hosur, has been witnessing persistent formation of toxic-looking foam along several kilometres of the river. The foam is generally associated with sewage and other pollutants entering the water, while turbulence caused by water falling from a height further contributes to frothing.

Tamil Nadu Environment and Climate Change Minister VK Rajeev inspected the dam on July 7 amid concerns of pollution.

Field tests recorded total dissolved solids (TDS) levels between 485 and 491 ppm (the healthy level is 50 to 300). The team also reported elevated levels of phosphorus and nitrates in the water. According to the firm, the presence of these nutrients is contributing to excessive frothing and the extensive growth of water hyacinth in the reservoir.

The dam has a watershed area of about 3,676 hectares and is an important water source for the SIPCOT Hosur drinking water scheme and the Hosur corporation's water supply system.

The pollution of the river has also raised concerns among farmers, with the study team stating that more than 8,000 acres of agricultural land depend on the water source. Farmers are reportedly using the water for irrigation, including flower cultivation.

The team claimed that prolonged use of the polluted water could affect groundwater quality, with open wells and borewells in agricultural areas also showing signs of contamination. It further said farm workers handling the water had reported skin rashes and allergies, while livestock were unable to consume the water.

Dakshayani S Dalavai, managing director of BioSynk and a member of the expert team, said the interstate pollution issue could be addressed without relying solely on conventional sewage treatment plants (STPs), which require continuous power, manpower and maintenance.

She proposed an inline treatment system at the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, using the natural gravity flow of the incoming water to treat the polluted stream before it enters the reservoir.

Dalavai said similar modular, gravity-assisted systems had been deployed in river basins in northern India and Gujarat. She said a policy intervention by the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments could address the 15-year-old issue within one or two months.

Farmers and residents have urged both governments to take immediate measures to prevent further pollution, protect agricultural livelihoods and restore the quality of groundwater in the region.

The minister reviewed the types and quality of handicraft products displayed at the showroom, their pricing, presentation, and procedures for marketing them in domestic and international markets. He also held discussions with showroom officials on design changes, value addition, branding, marketing strategies and expanding export opportunities.

The visit followed the inauguration of a Poompuhar handicrafts exhibition and sales event at Shilparamam in Telangana on Saturday. During the event, Mathan Raja interacted with Tamil Nadu handicraft artisans and officials from the handloom, handicrafts, textiles, and khadi departments, and heard about their professional difficulties, requirements, and market-related challenges.

The minister highlighted the importance of promoting Tamil Nadu's GI-tagged handicrafts, including Thanjavur paintings, Swamimalai bronze idols, Nachiarkoil kuthuvilakku, Thanjavur art plates, Pattamadai mats, Mamallapuram stone sculptures, and Kallakurichi wood carvings.

He said measures would be taken to improve the design, quality, presentation, branding and pricing of these products and expand their market opportunities in India and abroad. The government also aims to ensure that artisans receive appropriate recognition and income for their skills and traditional knowledge.

Mathan Raja said the information gathered from the inspection would be used to strengthen Poompuhar's production and marketing activities, modernise its showrooms, add value to products and establish stronger market linkages for artisans.

Addressing a booth agents’ meeting in Madurantakam, Aadhav Arjuna said the Secretariat proposal was being unnecessarily politicised and that the government would decide on the location only after receiving a detailed project report (DPR).

“Fishermen brothers and sisters, the Chief Minister has not taken any decision yet on the Secretariat. If the choice is between the Secretariat and the livelihood of the fishing community, our Chief Minister will certainly stand by the fishermen,” he said.

The remarks came against the backdrop of protests by fishing communities and Left parties against the proposed Pattinapakkam site. The government has decided to move away from the location and is examining alternative sites along the East Coast Road, according to a DT Next report dated September 19.

Taking a swipe at the Left parties opposing the project, Aadhav asked them to state with a clear conscience whether DMK functionaries had received commissions during the previous regime.

The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Dindigul, Pudukkottai, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Sivagangai, Thanjavur, Madurai, Cuddalore, Tirupattur, Vellore and Tiruchirapalli are forecasted to experience heavy showers.

Chennai is also likely to receive rain on Monday, with light to moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms. The city is expected to record a maximum temperature of 35-36°C. There will be a gradual reduction in rainfall over much of the State from Tuesday, though moderate rain is likely over the Western Ghats. Chennai and the neighbouring districts of Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Ranipet could receive light to moderate rain at isolated places on Wednesday and Thursday.

The rain comes amid a low-pressure area, which formed over the North Andaman Sea and adjoining areas, moving west-northwestward into the Eastcentral Bay of Bengal. It is likely to intensify into a depression on Monday and a deep depression on Tuesday before moving towards the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast around Wednesday. It has already contributed to widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu.

On Sunday, Bettamkollam in Krishnagiri recorded the highest rainfall of 15 cm, while Thirukkanur in Puducherry and Marandahalli in Dharmapuri received 12 cm each. Pulipatti in Madurai recorded 10 cm.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains in some parts of neighbouring Keralam over the next four days, with a possibility of thunderstorms at isolated places. Keralam has witnessed a weak monsoon this year, with a rainfall deficit of 28% from June 1 to September 17, according to IMD data.

Speaking to DT Next, Vijayendra Bidari, Inspector General of Police, South Zone, Madurai, said, “The web-based platform brings together the details of sensitive routes and locations, police databases, leader statues and previous unrests, giving police officers a complete picture while planning security.”

The system covered 938 sensitive locations in Ramanathapuram district alone, with live camera feeds from the field integrated into the monitoring platform.

Organising security for the annual Immanuel Sekaran guru pooja on September 11 and Thevar Jayanthi, marking the birth anniversary of Pasumpon Muthuramalingam on October 30, has remained an uphill task for police and revenue officials. Thousands of people from southern districts converge for the two events in Paramakudi and Pasumpon, respectively. Politicians and party functionaries also participate.

The security challenge is compounded by the history of caste-related tensions and incidents of violence associated with the events in the previous years. Against this backdrop, the new geo- mapping system brings together information on sensitive routes, locations, and previous incidents to aid security planning.

“Real-time updates from checkpoints enabled the police to coordinate the arrivals and departures of various groups sequentially without overlaps,” said Bidari

The application was accessed by the police’s technical team and senior officers through computers installed in police vehicles deployed in the field, enabling them to monitor sensitive locations and receive live inputs while moving between different points, the IG said.

The real-time monitoring enabled 11,000 police personnel to respond swiftly to developments in the field, said a senior police officer.

Moreover, with a click of a button on a sensitive location marked on the virtual map, police officials could access the history of previous untoward incidents reported in the area and enforce security arrangements more effectively.

Geo-mapping also helped ease traffic movement. “With the help of live feeds, we ensured that vehicles did not clog any road or junction leading to the venue,” said Bidari.

The Police Technical Wing developed the software and implemented it for the first time during the Immanuel Sekaran Guru Pooja this year. TS Anbu, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), who oversaw the security arrangements for the event, also witnessed the functioning of the geo-mapping system.

Samba cultivation contributes the highest share of total paddy production in the State, with at least 10.50 lakh acres cultivated in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore, and production estimated at 45 lakh MT. Around 60% of farmers depend on bore wells for samba cultivation, while the remaining 40% opt for river irrigation.

However, the farmers said that the samba target might not be achieved this year as Mettur storage has been declining day by day and on Sunday it stood at 47.809 TMC against the previous week of 50.977 TMC (on Sept 13), with inflow witnessing a sharp decline to 4,484 cusecs on Sunday against the inflow on Saturday with 6,563 cusecs.

“The current storage at Mettur can be used only for 40 days. El Niño might cause rainfall to fall short of expectations. As the outflow from Mettur stepped up to 12,000 cusecs on Sunday against 3,000 cusecs from the opening date of September 1, the storage would further decline,” said P Kalaivanan, Senior Agricultural Technocrat.

Explaining that a steady release of at least 22,000 cusecs could only flow upward towards the tail-end region and would not reach the irrigation canals otherwise, Kalaivanan said farmers dependent on river water irrigation should quit samba cultivation.

He suggested that farmers with adequate borewell facilities can go ahead, as the current flow into the rivers could have recharged the groundwater table. “The farmers who had already ploughed their lands should opt for direct sowing that would reduce the usage of water. The sowing should be completed by September 30; only then will the crops benefit from the ensuing North East monsoon,” Kalaivanan said.

He also stated that cultivation by September end would realise harvest by February, for which December is a crucial period as the crops would reach either milking or flowering stage. “There should be rain at least for 10 days in December, which would support the growth of the crops,” Kalaivanan said, stressing that rain-fed cultivation is the only possibility for samba this year.

Sami Natarajan, state general secretary of Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, noted that most of the farmers of the tail-end regions dependent on the groundwater need proper support from the government.

However, in certain areas in the Delta, the farmers have commenced the samba cultivation with the anticipation of the NE monsoon. “Though a good spell of rain is forecasted for the NE monsoon despite the El Niño conditions, the absence of storage facilities is a major hurdle,” Natarajan said. He appealed to the government to create farm ponds in rainfed regions for farmers to store water temporarily and utilise it for irrigation.

Meanwhile, PR Pandian, President of the Coordination Committee of All Farmers Association, said, “Despite repeated appeals to the government to release Mettur water only by September 30, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay released water on September 1. Now, the water flow in the main rivers has been affected.”

“Had the government paid heed to our suggestion on releasing Mettur water, we could have realised some benefit to a certain extent. The government should bear responsibility for loss,” Pandian added.

Samba cultivation in Delta region:

• Total cultivation: 10,42,500 acres

• Thanjavur- 3.36 lakh acres

• Tiruvarur- 3.62 lakh acres

• Mayiladuthurai- 1.72 lakhs

• Nagapattinam- 1.62 lakhs

Water declining fact sheet in Mettur (past week):

• Full level – 120 feet

Status of distributaries of the Cauvery from Grand Anicut as on Sept 20:

• Cauvery: 3,703 cusecs (full capacity 10,691)

• Vennaru: 3,305 (full capacity 3.305)

• GA Canal: 1,011 (full capacity: 3,380)

• Kollidam: 1007 (full capacity nil)

• Cauvery irrigating districts: Tiruchy, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai (empties at sea in Poompuhar)

• Vennar: Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam (empties in Bay of Bengal in Nagai)

• GA Canal: Thanjavur and Pudukkottai (empties in Mumbalai lake in Pudukkottai)

• Kollidam: Tiruchy, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai (empties in Bay of Bengal via Pazhaiyar in Mayiladuthruai) 

In a statement, Nainar said Modi was an elected Prime Minister who had enhanced India’s standing on the global stage and condemned the performance as an attempt to ridicule him.

The remarks followed criticism from BJP leaders over a mimicry performance at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore on Saturday. A comedian mimicked Modi during the event, and footage of the performance was subsequently circulated on social media.

Nainar alleged that Rahul had repeatedly resorted to such conduct out of frustration over successive electoral defeats.

Calling Rahul a part-time politician, the former minister alleged that the Congress leader appeared on political platforms occasionally, staged what he termed cheap theatrics and then returned to his leisure life.

“How will the people of India accept such a person as their leader?” he asked, alleging that Rahul was directing his frustration at Modi.

The BJP leader accused Rahul of forgetting the basic dignity expected in parliamentary democracy and urged him to abandon what he described as theatrical politics.

“His daydream that he can divert the people through cheap theatrics on public platforms will never succeed,” he said.

Nainar also asked Rahul to introspect and act responsibly, warning that otherwise only such clownish roles would remain in his political career.

Speaking at a wedding function at Velappanchavadi, Udhayanidhi said he had raised 16 questions with Vijay during a 38-minute intervention in the Assembly over the alleged deterioration in law and order during the past four months.

“Even when the Chief Minister returned to the Assembly three days later, he did not answer a single question. Instead, he spoke about the Sarkaria Commission and MISA arrests from 50 years ago,” he said.

Referring to Vijay’s remarks about three files on his table, Udhayanidhi said he had asked the Chief Minister to open them and take immediate action if anyone was at fault. “I told him, ‘Please open them soon and take action immediately.’ There has been no response so far,” he said.

Taking a swipe at the Assembly proceedings, he said, “Tamil Nadu is caught in the hands of a circus gang.” He also mocked ruling party members for singing during proceedings, asking whether legislators had come to the Assembly or a ‘Super Singer’ programme. He said only ‘fight and dance’ were left.

Udhayanidhi claimed TVK had 106 MLAs against the 118 required for a majority and alleged that the government depended on legislators elected on the DMK-led alliance’s record.

Udhayanidhi further alleged that the AIADMK MLAs had been bought and urged the DMK cadre to expose what he called the government’s misdeeds before the people.

Reacting to remarks by TVK leaders, including Aadhav Arjuna, questioning the Left parties, Mutharasan said, “I don't know why Aadhav Arjuna is suddenly angry with us. Whenever an MLA raises an issue, the Chief Minister or the concerned minister should give a response. Diverting the issue will serve no purpose.”

Mutharasan said he did not want to dwell further on the political issue at the meeting, which was attended by representatives of different parties and focused on resolving public issues.

On the proposed changes in the management of Chennai airport, Mutharasan said the CPI opposed both privatisation of the airport and handing over its maintenance to private players.

“A minister has said the airport is not being privatised and only maintenance work is being given to a private entity. We do not accept that explanation either. If it goes to private hands, employees working there could be reduced to a bonded-labour-like situation,” he said.

He said the airport had been developed with public money and should not be handed over to private entities.

“The Centre is gradually attempting to privatise airports, railway stations and railways. The Chief Minister's letter appears to support that effort. Chennai airport is a profitable international airport. We do not accept its privatisation or even handing over its maintenance to private parties,” Mutharasan said.

“Shanmugam’s experience is equivalent to our age. He is someone who has fought for the people throughout his life. He has the right to express his views. We will accept his constructive criticism and suggestions that are feasible,” the Minister said in response to a question from the media about Shanmugam’s continued criticism of the TVK for not conducting an all-party meeting to discuss policy issues affecting the people of Tamil Nadu.

Responding to the DMK’s criticism that the TVK could not have formed the government without the support of its former alliance partners, Rajmohan said the government had been formed with the support of women and the common man.

Responding to the DMK’s criticism that the TVK lacked a majority, the Minister recalled that the DMK had formed a minority government in 2006 after winning 98 seats.

“Our government functions by sharing power in the administration with our alliance partners,” he said.

Unlike the previous DMK government, which, according to him, approached its alliance partners such as the Congress and Communist parties with a “big brother” attitude and did not accommodate them in governance, the TVK government was running a coalition government and providing ministerial berths to its alliance partners.

“Did the DMK ever give even a single ministerial post to the Indian Union Muslim League?” he asked.

“Our leader has fulfilled what he promised during the election regarding power-sharing in the government,” he said.