Speaking to reporters in Palani on Monday in a different event, Velumani made it clear that the differences remain unresolved. He reiterated that Sasikala and Dinakaran should be readmitted to the AIADMK and said his faction would not accept the new organisational posts announced by the party leadership.

Velumani also maintained that the party would function effectively only if the earlier organisational structure, including the district secretary posts, was restored.

His remarks have once again brought the AIADMK's internal differences into focus ahead of the Assembly Budget Session, which is scheduled to commence on August 5.

On Dheeran Chinnamalai Memorial Day, Palaniswami announced that Velumani would participate in the commemorative event in Erode while Thangamani would attend the programme in Salem. Their participation was viewed as a sign that tensions within the party were easing. But Velumani has made it clear that the issue is not over, also with his show of strength arriving in a big cavalcade of cars at the Dheeran Chinnamalai memorial.

He also said that he and his supporters would not accept the organisational posts recently announced by general secretary Palaniswami.

The differences between Palaniswami and senior leaders, including Velumani and CVe Shanmugam, refuses to die, with the fresh episode adding to it. Even as the rebel leaders, who later reconciled with EPS, were accomodated but without offering them their district secretary posts.

Although both camps later projected unity and indicated that efforts were underway to resolve the differences, the Velumani camp continued to insist on convening a general council meeting to review the party's electoral defeat and restore the earlier organisational structure. However, the party leadership did not accept these demands, as they were seen as a direct challenge to the EPS leadership.

The incident comes weeks after School Education Minister A Rajmohan prohibited political parties, ministers, party cadres, NGOs and private organisations from entering schools or involving students in political activities.

In a statement issued on July 9, the minister had said: "Schools and children are not a place to engage in political activities or involve them in one. Hence, from now on, only government events will be held on school premises. Political parties, cadres, ministers and private organisations are not permitted inside schools."

The latest video has triggered criticism, with teachers alleging that the directive is being violated by members of the ruling TVK.

A government school teacher, requesting anonymity, said the Karaikudi episode was not an isolated incident. "The government should ensure that its own party functionaries follow the rules laid down by the School Education Department," the teacher said.

Teachers also urged the government to enforce the minister's order uniformly and prevent political activities involving schoolchildren, irrespective of the party or organisation involved.

The devotee was Gopalakrishnan, a retired private-sector employee who had come to his native village for the annual festival. Eyewitnesses said he lost his footing while crossing the ember pit.

Officers on security duty and other devotees immediately pulled him out. He sustained burns on both shoulders and was administered first aid at a private hospital in the area.

He was later moved to a government hospital for further care. Doctors said his condition is stable and he remains under observation. Mappedu police are investigating.

In a circular issued on July 30, TNPDCL directed field officials to review the adequacy of security deposits maintained by HT consumers and LT Current Transformer (LTCT) and IIIB industrial consumers for 2026-27 based on EB charges paid during the preceding 12 months.

Although the ASD exercise does not cover domestic consumers, industrial units whose power bills have increased over the past year are likely to receive higher ASD demands as the security deposit is directly linked to average annual electricity charges. Industry representatives said the timing could not have been worse.

Federation of Coimbatore Industrial Associations (FOCIA) coordinator J James said that the MSMEs were already reeling under higher power costs following the steep increase in fixed charges for LTCT consumers during the recent tariff revision.

“We urge TNPDCL not to impose another financial burden through the ASD review. The 450% increase in fixed charges for LTCT consumers has already hit MSMEs hard. We met Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on July 23 and sought withdrawal of the hike along with other industry demands. Any additional burden will affect nearly 13 lakh micro industries and around 80 lakh workers who depend on the sector,” James told DT Next.

Under the TN Electricity Supply Code, consumers under monthly billing are required to maintain a security deposit equivalent to two months’ average EB charges during the previous 12 months, while those under bi-monthly billing must maintain a deposit equal to 3 months’ average charges. Consumers who are not owners of the premises and cannot produce the property owner’s consent letter are required to maintain higher security deposits.

Before reviewing the adequacy of deposits, TNPDCL has credited interest at 6.71% for 2025-26 on existing security deposits. It has also approved payment of interest at the same rate on Meter Caution Deposits for HT consumers through adjustment in future electricity bills.

The utility has directed officials to issue separate ASD notices, while EB bills and invoices will carry details of the existing security deposit, interest credited and additional amount payable. Consumers will have 30 days to pay the revised deposit, failing which Belated Payment Surcharge will be levied. Continued default could lead to disconnection of power supply without further notice.

To ease the burden, TNPDCL has permitted payment of the additional security deposit in three instalments aligned with the billing cycle on request.

How additional security deposit will be calculated

Security deposit will be calculated based on electricity charges during the previous 12 months

· Monthly billed consumers: Security deposit = 2 × monthly average electricity charges

· Bi-monthly billed consumers: Security deposit = 3 × monthly average electricity charges

Existing security deposit and interest credited are adjusted against the revised requirement

The balance amount, if any, is collected as the Additional Security Deposit (ASD)

Consumers have 30 days to pay, with an option to pay in three instalments on request

Siva sought the suspension of Rules 15, 23, and 51, along with any other listed business, to facilitate a discussion on the matter. The notice stated that the discussion was being sought on “the concerns over the proposed Mekedatu dam on the river Cauvery, its impact on Tamil Nadu and the need for constitution of a tribunal in this regard.”

Addressing party cadres during a protest in Thanjavur against the Mekedatu project, Udayanidhi said the failure to secure Cauvery water had led to the loss of kuruvai cultivation across the Delta and cast doubt over the samba crop as well. He alleged that the State government had failed to respond to the crisis.

Claiming that Tamil Nadu should have received 42 tmc ft of Cauvery water over the past two months but had received only 4 tmc ft, Udayanidhi said the government neither cared about nor understood the suffering of farmers. “While farmers were crying over crop losses, ministers were in tears after watching a movie,” he remarked.

He alleged that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was focused only on retaining power and had failed to support farmers. He further claimed that farmers who attempted to meet the Chief Minister were arrested.

Udayanidhi also criticised the State Cabinet, describing it as a “gang of jokers”. He alleged that the Water Resources Minister avoided the media, that the Agriculture Minister offered prayers with the Budget at the Tirupati temple, and that he referred to the past activities of several ministers, including selling lottery tickets, pirated CDs, and movie tickets at exorbitant prices. He also alleged that one minister was alleged to be a drug user and another was “wandering with a wooden log.”

He further accused the Chief Minister, ministers and their family members of prioritising making social media reels over governance.

Reiterating the DMK’s stand against the Mekedatu project, Udayanidhi said the party would oppose its construction “at any cost” and continue to stand by farmers. He also contrasted Karnataka Chief Minister’s decision to convene an all-party meeting on the issue with the Tamil Nadu government’s reported reluctance to do so.

“The decision to make a single textbook is still under discussion and not consulted with many, including teachers and staff. However, there are rumours that Classes 6 and 7 will have the same textbooks throughout the year from next academic year,” said a school education department source.

However, this is not the first time such a decision was taken, say department staff. “Almost three academic years ago, the textbooks for Class 8 were made one, moving from the trimester system. During that time too, no one was informed,” added the source.

Currently, the school textbooks under the State syllabus are given in three terms for Classes 1 to 5. And, as usual for classes 9 to 12, the textbooks are common throughout the year.

Meanwhile, the school textbooks for Classes 1 to 3 are set to go for printing in a few days. The department officials say the preparations for the same are under way and arrangements are being made to ensure the textbooks for the new term for the elementary classes are ready after the holidays. The first term, which started in June, will wrap up in September.

“As there was a change in syllabus for elementary classes, textbooks for Classes 1 to 3 took some time, which might have resulted in the delay of printing textbooks. However, we have swiftly initiated the process for printing, which is currently in the final approval stage,” added a department source.

Officials said water released from Karnataka's Kabini reservoir was expected to reach Biligundlu, the entry point of the Cauvery into Tamil Nadu, on Monday night and subsequently reach the Mettur reservoir on Tuesday.

"The combined discharge from the Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoirs in Karnataka continues to be around 27,000 cusecs. The released water is expected to reach Mettur on Tuesday," a Water Resources Department official in Mettur said.

Against the dam's full reservoir level of 2,284 feet, the water level has reached 2,281.43 feet. With inflows continuing to rise, surplus water is being released in phases as a precautionary measure to ensure the reservoir's safety.

The discharge, which stood at 12,000 cusecs the previous day, was increased to 25,000 cusecs as of 10 pm on Monday.

The water released from the Kabini dam reached Kollegal on Monday and is expected to reach Biligundlu, the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border point on the Cauvery, on Tuesday.

In a representation to the Chief Minister, Kennedy explained he had spent more than 40 years collecting, restoring and preserving rare mechanical clocks, which represent an important part of scientific, technological and cultural heritage.

He urged the government to establish a dedicated museum so that the collection could be preserved for future generations, researchers and students. “I’ve been knocking on the doors of the government for seven years. I’m getting old and I don’t think I have the means to preserve these anymore,” Kennedy said.

His collection involved around 2,200 clocks, including a 290-year-old handmade English pendulum clock, what he claims is the world’s smallest pendulum clock measuring just 1.5 inches. Another prized possession was bought for only Rs 300 from a scrap market and was later identified as a clock used by the British Air Force during World War I. Restored by his longtime clocksmith for Rs 500, the clock is now valued at around Rs 50,000.

His collection was recognised by Guinness World Records in 2023 after a lengthy verification process that lasted nearly six years of scrutiny.

Lamenting the absence of institutional support, Kennedy pointed out, “India does not have a single museum dedicated exclusively to clocks despite possessing a rich horological heritage. Even celebrities were interested in owning my collection and even offered to display it for the public. But, I do not want it to be a part of any individual’s possession.”

Seeking the government’s intervention, Kennedy has proposed establishing a museum where the entire collection could be displayed. He said he intended to donate the collection to the country and wanted the museum to charge only a nominal entry fee of Rs 10-15 so that people from all sections of society could visit.

Childhood fascination becomes a lifelong passion

Robert Kennedy’s fascination with clocks dates back to his childhood. His grandfather, who worked for the British at Munati Estate, was given a Chevrolet car and an Ansonia clock in recognition of his work. Inspired by stories his father narrated about the clock, Kennedy bought his first timepiece – a broken Japanese pendulum clock – for just Rs 20. With the help of a local carpenter and a clocksmith, he restored it and took it home. “My mother asked why I was bringing another scrap clock when we already had one. I told her it was a pair for my grandfather’s clock. That’s how my collection started,” he smiled.

Emphasising the urgency, WRD officials noted that the wing currently lacks a full-time in-service head, creating a critical leadership gap at a time when Tamil Nadu is navigating legally, technically, and politically the sensitive inter-state water dispute. The post has been filled with retired personnel for the last 35 years, officials said.

The CTC-cum-ISWW is a specialised agency under the WRD responsible for handling inter-State river disputes, legal proceedings, and technical negotiations, most notably regarding the Cauvery and Mullaiperiyar rivers.

The resurfacing of the contentious Mekedatu project issue on the national stage has intensified the need for administrative reform in Tamil Nadu. The state requires continuous, highly coordinated technical and legal strategies to protect its water rights before the Supreme Court, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), central agencies, and other key forums.

Urgency has escalated following the recent resignation of the retired official heading the operational wing, creating an immediate administrative void. Water Resources Department (WRD) officials warn that delays in filling this sanctioned apex position could severely compromise Tamil Nadu's legal preparedness.

While the role was occasionally given to retired officials, WRD officials pressed that post-retirement appointments weaken operational efficiency. The wing currently oversees more than 30 ongoing litigations concerning the Cauvery, Mullaiperiyar, Parambikulam Aliyar Project, Palar, Pennaiyar, and Neyyar rivers, while simultaneously advising on policy matters and coordinating with neighbouring states and the Union Government.

Department officials maintain that such critical tasks demand continuous supervision by an experienced, serving chief engineer with full administrative authority and accountability. Historically, assigning in-service chief engineers preserved institutional memory, ensured continuity, and enabled swift decision-making.

Given the Mekedatu dispute and the expanding inter-state litigation, WRD officials advocate for prompt government approval to appoint an in-service chief engineer or a special chief engineer. This move will reinforce Tamil Nadu's legal position and long-term water interests.

The first round of counselling concluded with 26,867 students securing seats, of whom 15,527 opted for CSE, accounting for more than half of the total allotments.

Among the core engineering disciplines, Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) was the next most preferred course, attracting 5,486 students. It was followed by Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) with 1,324 students, Mechanical Engineering with 1,110, and Civil Engineering with 702.

The preference for CSE was equally evident among the State’s top rank holders. Of the top 100 students in the engineering admissions rank list, 73 chose CSE, 26 opted for ECE, and only one selected Mechanical Engineering.

Educationists attribute the trend to the perception that Computer Science offers better placement opportunities and higher starting salaries than traditional engineering disciplines. Speaking to DT Next, educationist R Ashwin said that the overwhelming preference for CSE was not an entirely healthy trend.

“Students and parents are largely driven by immediate placement prospects. However, they should also consider core engineering branches, as manufacturing, infrastructure and other industrial sectors are expected to generate significant employment opportunities in the coming years,” he said.

The first round also witnessed a clear preference for private self-financing autonomous engineering colleges, reflecting students’ inclination towards institutions with established placement records.

More than 2% of eligible candidates did not participate in the first round of counselling. Officials believe many of them may have opted for MBBS and other medical courses instead.

Meanwhile, the second round of TNEA counselling began on Monday, with 93,116 candidates eligible to participate under the general category. Candidates with cut-off marks ranging from 171 to 135.75, corresponding to general ranks 37,977 to 1,31,093, are eligible for the second round. Under the 7.5% horizontal reservation for government school students, candidates ranked between 2,571 and 18,036 within the same cut-off range can also participate.

Eligible candidates can fill their choice of colleges and courses on the TNEA portal till August 5. A tentative allotment will be published after the completion of choice filling, followed by the final allotment after candidates confirm their preferences.

Popular streams

26,867 aspirants secure seats

·      15,527 – Computer Science

·      5,486 – Electronics and Communication

·      1,324 – Electrical and Electronics

·      1,110 – Mechanical

·      702 – Civil

Unlike previous years, when Tamil Nadu's all-time peak demand or energy consumption is typically recorded during the summer months of March or April, this year's records were set in July, underscoring the impact of persistent heat and delayed monsoon cooling.

Official data show the State recorded an all-time high peak power demand of 21,724 MW on July 14, while daily energy consumption touched a record 475.447 million units (MU) on July 17, reflecting sustained demand for cooling across households, commercial establishments and industries.

The State's monthly electricity consumption rose to 13,807 MU in July, up 11.5 per cent from 12,382 MU in the corresponding month last year. Peak demand for the month increased 7.8 per cent, from 20,152 MW in July 2025 to 21,724 MW this year, the highest year-on-year increase among the four months from April to July.

The surge was not driven by a handful of peak days but by consistently elevated demand throughout the month.

Of the 31 days in July, daily electricity consumption went above the 400 MU mark on 30 days, including 14 days when consumption crossed 450 MU. Compared to last July's average consumption of 399 MU, July 2026 saw 12 per cent rise to 445 MU and consumption did not fall below 382 MU.

The peak demand followed a similar pattern. The state's load crossed 20,000 MW on 26 days, including 14 days above 21,000 MW, before touching record 21,724 MW on July 14. Even the month's lowest peak demand stood at 17,918 MW.

In contrast, during July 2025, daily energy consumption exceeded 400 MU on only 19 days, with the highest reaching 434 MU and the monthly average at 399 MU. Peak demand crossed the 20,000 MW mark only once, while the month's lowest daily peak was 14,876 MW.

The State also surpassed official projections in the Load Generation Balance Report. Against an estimated July peak demand of 20,619 MW and energy requirement of 13,193 MU, actual demand reached 21,724 MW and 13,807 MU.

VR Durai, head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre at the Regional Meteorological Centre, said that July 2026 was the second warmest July in Tamil Nadu in over three decades.

"Normally, July is cooler than June after the onset of the southwest monsoon. This year, the El Niño conditions, coupled with a weak monsoon, resulted in unusually high daytime temperatures and persistently warm nights through much of the month," he said.

The unusual weather pattern reduced the cooling effect normally experienced after sunset, particularly in interior districts, while coastal regions experienced high humidity along with elevated night temperatures. "People would have relied on air-conditioners for longer hours to get relief from the sustained heat," Durai said.

The TNPDCL said the prolonged heat significantly increased the use of air conditioners, refrigerators and other cooling appliances, keeping electricity demand elevated despite the monsoon.

The trend reflects a steady increase in electricity demand throughout the summer. Peak demand rose to 21,326 MW from 20,148 MW in April, to 19,787 MW from 19,416 MW in May and to 21,233 MW from 19,976 MW in June compared with the corresponding months last year.

Monthly energy consumption also increased steadily from 11,892 MU to 12,922 MU in April, 11,332 MU to 12,400 MU in May and 11,514 MU to 12,456 MU in June before touching a record 13,807 MU from 12,382 MU in July, compared to last year's corresponding periods.

Aided by robust wind and solar power generation, which enabled the state to meet higher load without major supply disruptions, the grid remained stable despite unprecedented demands, the officials said.

The Commissionerate of Disaster Management has initiated the exercise to evaluate the 18-year-old weather stations, which are located across various blocks in the State. According to an official notification, the objective is to assess the present condition, operational status and installation quality of the AWS network, and recommend restoration, replacement or other corrective measures wherever required.

The Commissionerate has invited agencies to undertake the assessment and has laid down detailed terms and conditions for carrying out the assignment.

During the field inspection, the selected agency will assess the accessibility and suitability of each site, verify the safety infrastructure, including fencing, examine the overall condition of the stations, and evaluate the functioning of all meteorological sensors and the operational status of the complete AWS system.

The Disaster Management Commissionerate has directed that the survey, inspection and submission of the final report be completed by the end of this month, enabling the government to undertake necessary repairs before the northeast monsoon sets in.

The Automatic Weather Stations were installed under a Tamil Nadu Agricultural University project in 2008 using GSM/CDMA communication technology to provide weather data at the block level. The network was established to improve weather monitoring, narrow down spatial and temporal variations in rainfall, support crop insurance through rainfall distribution indices, and assist in evolving location-specific farming practices.

Officials said the assessment is expected to help strengthen the State's weather monitoring infrastructure and improve disaster preparedness ahead of the forthcoming monsoon season.

The budget would be transformative, carrying announcements aimed at long-term planning for the next 50 years, he said. "The budget will not be a repetition of the previous years. Every department will present announcements with a new purpose and direction, because we are planning for the next 50 years, not just the next election."

Addressing the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Summit 2026 organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) attended by leading names in the industry, he invited them to invest in what he described as "India's first corruption-free State".

According to him, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had introduced an online governance system over the past 80 days, enabling people and investors to obtain government services digitally without having to visit government offices or ministers' chambers. " Invest in a corruption-free Tamil Nadu.

We will extend full cooperation to all investors. Your investments will create new jobs for Tamil Nadu's youth," he said.

The Chief Minister believes the future of Tamil Nadu lies with its youth, and the Budget would contain several initiatives for them, he said.

The State government was planning long-term infrastructure projects, including a road network that would eventually enable travel from Chennai to Kanniyakumari in just three hours, he said.

Citing IIT studies, he said several buildings constructed over the past 10 to 15 years were found to have structural deficiencies, and said the government would focus on durable infrastructure projects designed to last for decades.

Another aspect that the government was aiming was the transformation of Tamil Nadu into India's sports capital within the next five years, while increasing women's participation in higher education and development across northern and southern districts, said the sports minister.

Aadhav, who handles the PWD portfolio, also alleged that the previous government was indulging in large-scale corruption in road maintenance through patchwork and repair contracts. But now, the State has eliminated the practise of collecting bribe in the name of party funds, he claimed.

"Our Chief Minister, who earned the highest salary in India, gave it up to enter politics. This shows that money is not important to him. As ministers, we spent not a single rupee on elections for the first time in Tamil Nadu's electoral history, people voted without caste, religion, or money influencing them," Aadhav said.

Speaking to reporters after participating in the memorial day observance of freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai at Odanilai near Archalur in Erode, Sengottaiyan said inflows had improved in several reservoirs, and many water bodies were expected to reach full capacity soon.

Drawing a parallel between rainfall and governance, he said the arrival of Cauvery water during the Aadi Perukku festival period reflected the positive developments taking place under the present administration.

The minister also said Tamil Nadu was emerging as a leading State under Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and claimed the TVK government's performance could even earn the appreciation of the Union government.

On land administration, Sengottaiyan said the government had appointed 1,730 surveyors to address delays in land surveys and the issuance of pattas. He expressed confidence that the long-pending issue would be resolved within six months.

Meanwhile, Ministers M Vijay Balaji, C Vijayalakshmi, S Kamali and D Lokesh Tamilselvan joined Sengottaiyan in paying floral tributes to the statue of freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai on his 221st memorial day.

Speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai on his 221st memorial day, Ramesh said action had already been initiated against those involved in temple-related irregularities, from top officials to lower-level staff.

Admitting that there were irregularities in temples across the State, the minister said the government had resolved nearly 80 per cent of such issues within a short period and would continue to act against those responsible.

Ramesh said the proposed white paper would detail the alleged irregularities in the HR&CE Department during the previous government and asserted that those involved would not escape punishment.

He also announced that separate monitoring teams would be constituted for each temple to prevent irregularities and that efforts were underway to recover temple properties.

The minister said Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay believed in demonstrating results through action rather than words and had directed all ministers to ensure clean governance.

Addressing party cadres during a protest in Thanjavur against the Mekedatu project, Udayanidhi said the failure to secure Cauvery water had led to the loss of kuruvai cultivation across the Delta and cast doubt over the samba crop as well. He alleged that the State government had failed to respond to the crisis.

Claiming that Tamil Nadu should have received 42 tmc ft of Cauvery water over the past two months but had received only 4 tmc ft, Udayanidhi said the government neither cared about nor understood the suffering of farmers. "While farmers were crying over crop losses, ministers were in tears after watching a movie," he remarked.

He alleged that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was focused only on retaining power and had failed to support farmers. He further claimed that farmers who attempted to meet the Chief Minister were arrested.

Udayanidhi also criticised the State Cabinet, describing it as a "gang of jokers". He alleged that the Water Resources Minister avoided the media, that the Agriculture Minister offered prayers with the Budget at the Tirupati temple, and that he referred to the past activities of several ministers, including selling lottery tickets, pirated CDs, and movie tickets at exorbitant prices. He also alleged that one minister was alleged to be a drug user and another was "wandering with a wooden log."

He further accused the Chief Minister, ministers and their family members of prioritising making social media reels over governance.

Reiterating the DMK's stand against the Mekedatu project, Udayanidhi said the party would oppose its construction "at any cost" and continue to stand by farmers. He also contrasted Karnataka Chief Minister's decision to convene an all-party meeting on the issue with the Tamil Nadu government's reported reluctance to do so.

The deceased were identified as D Sanjay (19), a second-year college student from Ramakondahalli village in Dharmapuri district, and Deepan (17) from Sathya Nagar near Mallasamudram in Namakkal district.

Sanjay had gone to the Cauvery river near Nagamarai with his friends and drowned while bathing.  In a separate incident, Deepan, who had recently completed Class XII, drowned while bathing in the Cauvery at Kokkarayanpettai in Namakkal district.

Police have registered cases in connection with both incidents, and further investigations are under way.

Meanwhile, traditional Aadi Perukku celebrations at Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district and Mettur in Salem district were subdued this year due to reduced flow in the Cauvery river. Officials said water released from Karnataka's Kabini reservoir was expected to reach Biligundlu, the entry point of the Cauvery into Tamil Nadu, on Monday night and subsequently reach the Mettur reservoir on Tuesday.

"The combined discharge from the Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoirs in Karnataka continues to be around 27,000 cusecs. The released water is expected to reach Mettur on Tuesday," a Water Resources Department official in Mettur said.

Aadi Perukku, the auspicious festival conducted for venerating the mother Cauvery, which is believed to bring joy and prosperity to the newly wed couple as well as the farmers.

This year, the mother Cauvery appeared parched, where the people who had to skip the sentimental holy dip but had to take a shower through the temporary arrangements made by the civic body, and there was less than 50 per cent footfall compared to last year.

As part of the traditional Aadi Perukku event Mangal-sutra of newlywed brides shall be replaced with another by a senior married woman member of the family, with prayers to the deity Cauvery to strengthen the family bonding among them.

Following the event of replacing mangalyam, the newlywed couples are asked to drift their wedding garland on the river Cauvery to take the blessings from their ancestors.

Pujas used to be performed at the Amma Mandapam venue since the place is believed to be the blessing of Srirangam Ranganathar, so doing such poojas in the place shall allow the people to have all the blessings.

With this traditional background, the people, unwilling to skip the customary celebrations, thronged to the traditional Amma Mandapam bathing ghat in Srirangam, where the city corporation had made a makeshift shower pipe and artificial streams were made to allow the people to conduct their rituals.

Though it is customary to thank Mother Cauvery for its full flow of water that would bring prosperity, a section of devotees had placed their offerings on the parched Cauvery and performed their rituals, while a few devotees had dug a pit in the Cauvery river bed and used the water for their rituals.

“The Cauvery was dry in 2017, previously during the Aadi Perukku and the situation repeated this year after nine long years. But still, the festival mood lingers among the devotees who realise their rituals with the available arrangements,” said S Vijayakumar, a resident of Srirangam.

Similarly, the people living along the Cauvery across the Delta region fulfilled their rituals in the available water bodies, including tanks and wells belonging to the temples in their respective districts.

Prashant Kishor, a former political strategist who had previously engineered campaigns for leaders like Narendra Modi, Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal, secured his party's first entry into the Bihar Assembly in his electoral debut, delivering a major upset to the ruling BJP in its traditional bastion.

Taking to 'X', Stalin said, “Congratulations to #JanSuraaj founder Thiru. @PrashantKishor on his resounding win in the #Bankipur bypoll, marking @JanSuraajOnline's first electoral victory."

"Wishing him success in serving the people of the Bankipur constituency and the state of Bihar," the former CM added. Prashant Kishor also met with actor-turned-politician Vijay in Chennai last year to offer his guidance and analysis for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party's debut in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The Jan Suraaj Party founder made a historic electoral debut, winning the by-poll for Bihar’s prestigious Bankipur assembly constituency, in a big blow to the BJP, which had held the seat since 1995.

The defeat, coming days after the massive Gen Z protests across the country, was even more stinging because the seat was last held by BJP president Nitin Nabin, whose elevation necessitated the by-poll on August 30.

Speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai at Guindy on his memorial day, Palaniswami said the government had refused to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the Cauvery issue despite repeated demands.

He said the government should have invited representatives of farmers' associations to participate in discussions so that all stakeholders could deliberate on the legal steps required to safeguard Tamil Nadu's rights. However, he alleged that the government ignored the request.

Palaniswami accused the government of acting without understanding the history of the Cauvery dispute. He said Tamil Nadu had secured a final verdict on the issue after years of legal and political efforts, but the present government had failed to protect the State's interests.

"The government's handling of the issue raises serious questions about its functioning," he alleged.

The AIADMK leader also accused the government of failing to secure super-speciality medical seats that rightfully belonged to Tamil Nadu.

On party affairs, Palaniswami said the AIADMK executive committee meeting would be held after the conclusion of the Assembly session, followed by the party's general council meeting.

In a statement, EPS said nearly 1 lakh kuruvai crops have withered this year due to the failure to open the Mettur dam on time. He demanded that the government should pay 25,000 rupees per acre as compensation and also ensure uninterrupted 3-phase power supply to the farmers

In a statement, Stalin said that instead of celebrating the Aadi Perukku festival with the Cauvery in full flow, farmers from the Delta were protesting in anguish, but no strong condemnation is coming against Karnataka. He questioned whether CM Vijay is silent on Karnataka out of fear of the movie Jana Nayagan in the neighbouring state.

He said the DMK's protest, led by Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi, was being organised in support of the Cauvery Delta farmers. He warned that if the farmers' demands were not met, the agitation would intensify.

"The Cauvery water should have reached Tamil Nadu on June 12, but it has not arrived even at the beginning of August. The Cauvery Delta farmers are in deep distress due to the sluggish approach of the TVK-led government towards the Cauvery river water issue," Stalin said.

Questioning the Chief Minister, Stalin said the State was now witnessing a Chief Minister who was unwilling to speak against his Karnataka counterpart.

"Has the Chief Minister sacrificed the lives of Tamil Nadu's farmers for the sake of running a movie in the neighbouring State?" Stalin asked.

He also questioned whether the Chief Minister had seen the reports on the all-party meeting convened in Karnataka and asked why a similar meeting had not been convened in Tamil Nadu.

Launching a sharp attack on the Chief Minister, Stalin said he had remained silent over the arrest of Tamil Nadu farmers in Nagpur.

Demanding a complete waiver of farm loans and that the Delta districts be declared drought-hit, Stalin said the government should act seriously on the Cauvery river water issue without compromising the State's rights. Until then, the DMK's agitation will continue, he asserted.

Division bench comprising Justice CV Karthikeyan and Sakthivel issued this direction on Monday (Augusat 3) after the State government counsel submitted that action against bike taxis would continue until an appropriate decision is taken in the matter.

According to the petitioner Naveen Kumar from Madurai Digital platform-based bike taxi services such as Rapido, Ola and Uber are increasing in Tamil Nadu. However, the State does not have any policy or rules to regulate these services. Bike taxi services cannot operate independently like autorickshaws and rental cars, he stated.

Though the made representation to the State Government seeking registration of motorcycles as transport vehicles carrying passengers for hire and grants them necessary permits to operate them legally, he didn’t receive a response from the Government.

During the previous hearing the Court directed the State government to file its response.

When the case came up for hearing yesterday, the petitioner’s counsel submitted that the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had issued a circular to all States in January 2024 stating that the respective State governments may grant permission for operating bike taxis for commercial purposes (operating motorcycles).

He argued that directions should be issued to frame appropriate guidelines for operating bike taxis in Tamil Nadu in accordance with the Union government's circular.

He further submitted that, in accordance with the Union government's guidelines, permission has already been granted for operating bike taxis in 16 States. The Counsel further contended that the State government has no authority to refuse to grant such permission.

He also sought an interim order restraining the authorities from imposing penalties such as fines until a decision is taken in the matter.

After issuing directions, the Court posted the next hearing on September 7.

In a statement, Anbumani said the promotion-related issues in the police department have remained unresolved for over three decades, affecting several batches of sub-inspectors recruited from 1994 to 95. He alleged that instead of taking a policy decision, successive governments had allowed the matter to remain entangled in court proceedings.

Referring to the 1994- 95 recruitment of 1,198 sub-inspectors, he said 98 candidates, who received appointment orders only in 2,000, were denied seniority from the original recruitment year, resulting in delayed promotions. He claimed the issue had also affected officers recruited in 1998-99, 2004 and 2016, who were yet to receive promotions due to the pending dispute.

Anbumani urged the State government to inform the Madras High Court during the next hearing that it would grant appropriate seniority and promotions to the affected personnel and bring the 30-year-old issue to an end.

He also demanded that the government restore 20 per cent reservation for Tamil medium candidates in the departmental sub-inspector recruitment quota by re-enacting the lapsed legislation. Further, he sought parity in special pay, risk allowance, night duty allowance and food allowance for fingerprint experts serving in the police department.

The PMK leader urged the government to form a special committee and resolve all pending grievances of police personnel within a month.

The findings were part of the DVAC's enforcement drive carried out between July 1 and July 31.

During the month, the DVAC laid 24 traps in cases against government officials from various departments who allegedly demanded and accepted bribes, including methods like GPay, ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1 lakh for performing official duties. Those arrested included a Joint Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department, Tahsildars, engineers, police personnel, revenue officials, electricity board staff, village administrative officers, surveyors, panchayat secretaries, a State Tax Officer and other government employees.

The agency, along with District Inspection Cell officials, also conducted surprise inspections at 13 government offices in Krishnagiri, Tiruvallur, Theni, Kanniyakumari, Dindigul, Thanjavur, Ranipet, Chennai and Karur. These checks resulted in the seizure of Rs 13.39 lakh in unaccounted cash.

Separate inspections at six state border vehicle check posts led to the seizure of Rs 9.87 lakh in unaccounted cash. In total, Rs 23.26 lakh in unaccounted cash was seized during the inspections, with cases registered and investigations underway.

The DVAC also said that during July, four corruption cases reached conviction in Special Courts under the Prevention of Corruption Act and in the Principal and Sessions Courts at Tiruvallur and Ranipet.

Those convicted included a Tahsildar, the Tahsildar's driver, a headmistress, a school correspondent and a police sub-inspector. The courts sentenced them to rigorous imprisonment ranging from two to four years and imposed fines between Rs 1,000 and Rs 50,000.

State ministers paid floral tributes to him at Guindy in Chennai. Water Resources Minister N Anand, School Education Minister Rajmohan, IT Minister Kumar and Tourism Minister Rajesh Kumar attended the ceremony.

In a message marking the occasion, Chief Minister Vijay hailed Dheeran Chinnamalai as a courageous warrior who fought against British oppression and raised the call for freedom at a time when the East India Company was expanding its control over large parts of the country.

Paying homage to the freedom fighter, he said Chinnamalai had firmly resisted the East India Company’s taxation policies and foreign domination and ultimately sacrificed his life for the liberation of the motherland.

“I pay my respects to freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai, who fought against British oppression and raised the slogan of freedom, on his death anniversary,” Chief Minister Vijay said in the message.

He said the courage, self-confidence, patriotism and spirit of sacrifice displayed by Chinnamalai continued to inspire successive generations and remained an enduring symbol of resistance to colonial rule.

Chinnamalai’s willingness to confront a powerful colonial administration demonstrated his unwavering commitment to freedom and the rights of his people, he said. His life and struggle had secured him a permanent place among the prominent figures who challenged British authority in southern India.

Recalling the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle, Chief Minister Vijay said the independence enjoyed by the present generation had been made possible by countless freedom fighters who placed the interests of the nation above their own lives.

“May the glory of the brave hero who gave his life so that we could breathe the air of freedom live forever,” Chief Minister Vijay said.

Dheeran Chinnamalai, born as Theerthagiri in the Kongu region of present-day Tamil Nadu, emerged as one of the prominent early opponents of British expansion in southern India. He organised resistance against the East India Company and fought several battles against British forces.

His opposition to colonial taxation and attempts to establish British political control made him an important figure in Tamil Nadu’s history of resistance against colonialism.

Chinnamalai was eventually captured by the British and executed at Sankagiri in 1805. His resistance, courage and sacrifice continue to be commemorated in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the western districts, where his legacy remains deeply rooted in public memory.

His death anniversary is observed every year with leaders, organisations and members of the public paying homage and recalling his contribution to the struggle against British rule.

After the video of the assault emerged on social media from Monday, the District Elementary Education Officer held an inquiry and recommended action against her.

The teacher in the dock, Kalaimathi, is also the assistant headmistress of the school.

According to sources, she was accused of corporal punishment. After receiving complaints from parents, the headmistress, Bhuvana, lodged a complaint with the District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO) Shanmugavel.

Based on the complaint, the DEEO conducted an inquiry with Kalaimathi on July 30.

This triggered an altercation between the teacher and the headmistress, during which the teacher manhandled the HM in front of the students.

After the video of the assault surfaced on social media from Monday, DEEO Shanmugavel conducted another inquiry and forwarded a formal complaint to the Assistant Director of Primary Education, recommending action against Kalaimathi.

Inaugurating the faculty upgradation programme on NextGen Cyber Forensics tools and Technologies in NIT, Tiruchy, the IGP Balakrishnan emphasised the importance of consistency in the administration of justice as a critical factor in crime prevention. He acclaimed the indispensable role of forensic science in both conventional and digital investigations while discussing the contemporary challenges confronting forensic practitioners, including the exponential growth of digital data, privacy regulations, and rapid technological advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Expressing concerns over the substantial financial losses caused by cybercrime due to the emerging cyber slavery, the IGP appealed for a greater public awareness of indigenous forensic technologies and urged that research organisations should actively disseminate knowledge about the tools they develop to facilitate their effective utilisation in criminal investigations.

He further underscored the growing sophistication of cybercrimes and called for continuous capacity building, collaborative research, and the adoption of advanced digital forensic technologies. He encouraged faculty members and researchers to remain abreast of emerging developments in cyber security and cyber forensics and suggested that C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram explore collaborative initiatives with NIT Tiruchy and the Tamil Nadu Police.

While addressing, AR Vinukumar, Scientist-G and Head, Cyber Forensics Section (CFS) and Software Training Division (STDC), C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram said, the increasing significance of cyber forensics in combating complex digital crimes. He showcased several indigenous cyber forensic tools and technologies developed by C-DAC to support digital investigations and cybercrime analysis.

He encouraged academicians to develop expertise in both the proactive (offensive and defensive) and post-incident (postmortem) dimensions of cyber forensics. Referring to the continual technological race between law enforcement agencies and cybercriminals, he emphasized the importance of producing highly skilled researchers and “Cyber Warriors”; capable of addressing emerging cyber threats. He also provided an overview of the objectives and initiatives undertaken under the ISEA Phase III Project of MeitY, Government of India.

R Jeyapaul, Dean (Faculty Welfare), NIT presided over the programme. N Sivakumaran, programme coordinator, welcomed the gathering and outlined the objectives of the faculty upgradation programme.

Addressing reporters in Erode after paying tributes to freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai at his memorial in Odanilai near Arachalur, Nagenthran said the BJP had no intention of politicising the Cauvery issue.

Questioning Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's handling of the dispute, Nagenthran said the State government should have convened an all-party meeting to discuss the issue before it became a political controversy. "The Congress leaders have also failed to take a clear stand on the Cauvery dispute," he said.

Expressing confidence that Karnataka would not be permitted to construct the proposed Mekedatu dam, Nagenthran said the CWMA, acting under the directions of the Supreme Court, has full authority over the matter and would not grant approval for the project.

Referring to the CWMA's direction to Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water a day for 15 days to Tamil Nadu, he said that the directive had not been complied with and claimed that Tamil Nadu had historically received only surplus water from Karnataka. Nagenthran also said that TVK functionaries in Tirunelveli had begun demanding a 10 per cent commission in connection with public works tenders.

Liphin Ponnusamy Leela of Vilavancode, Kanniyakumari district, filed the petition contending that the blanket ban imposed by the State government on the transportation of minerals across Tamil Nadu's borders had brought his lawful business to a standstill, causing immense financial distress and resulting in a breach of existing commercial contracts.

The petitioner submitted that the State government had issued a Government Order on July 27, 2026, inserting Rule 3-A into the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage of Minerals and Mineral Dealers Rules, 2011, thereby empowering the Director of Geology and Mining, Chennai, to implement the ban.

The petition also claimed that if the State sought to impose restrictions on inter-State trade under Article 304(b) of the Constitution in the name of public interest, such an amendment could not come into force without the mandatory prior sanction of the President of India

When the case came up for hearing before a Division Bench comprising Justices CV Karthikeyan and S Sakthivel, the petitioner's counsel, said that a similar attempt by the Gujarat government to restrict the inter-State movement of minor minerals had been struck down by the Supreme Court. The apex court had also held that the power conferred on State governments under Section 23-C of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, was confined to framing rules for preventing illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals.

The State, however, submitted that the order had been issued only to streamline the system and that it was a temporary measure that would remain in force for three months.

After hearing both sides, the Bench directed the State government to file a detailed counter affidavit and adjourned the case to August 10.

Palaniswami also requested officials from the Revenue and Agriculture departments to immediately inspect affected fields across the region and provide uninterrupted 24-hour free three-phase electricity to save surviving crops.

"Every year, water from the Mettur dam is customarily released on June 12 for the Kuruvai cultivation season. However, this year, water was not released from the reservoir," the former chief minister said in a statement.

The AIADMK chief claimed that due to the non-release of Cauvery water, farmers across approximately 1.85 lakh acres in the Delta districts, who depend primarily on river irrigation, were unable to carry out Kuruvai cultivation and suffered immense losses.

The Delta farmers who relied on open wells and borewells proceeded with Kuruvai cultivation this year and spent around Rs 25,000 per acre in physical labour and cultivation expenses.

"Severe water scarcity has caused Kuruvai paddy crops across nearly one lakh acres in areas including Nannilam and Kudavasal in Tiruvarur district as well as other Delta regions, to wither completely, ruining the livelihood of farmers," the AIADMK chief said.

"I urge the government to immediately dispatch Revenue and Agriculture Department officials directly to the Delta districts to inspect the withered and damaged paddy fields," he said.

"The government should also sanction a compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre to all affected farmers and moreover, to protect the remaining standing crops, uninterrupted 24-hour free three-phase electricity for agriculture should be provided," he added.

As the video of his speech has gone viral, the comment has drawn condemnation from social media users, with many questioning the language used by the DMK leader at a public gathering.

Udhayanidhi was addressing a DMK agitation in front of the Panagal Building in Thanjavur, demanding action to stop the proposed Mekedatu dam project and seeking the declaration of the Delta districts as drought-hit areas, according to a Daily Thanthi report.

Udhayanidhi calls Vijay a ‘dummy CM’

Addressing the gathering, Udhayanidhi Stalin blamed the Vijay-led government for the difficulties faced by kuruvai farmers and accused the Chief Minister of failing to take appropriate action on the Cauvery water issue. He said that Aadi Perukku was traditionally celebrated with the Cauvery flowing in full force, but the river was now running dry in the Delta region due to the lack of water.

Calling Vijay a "dummy Chief Minister", the LoP alleged that the state's administrative failures had resulted in the current situation faced by farmers. "Would this situation have occurred if the DMK had been in power?" he asked, alleging that the Chief Minister had remained silent despite the difficulties faced by farmers.

Udhayanidhi also questioned whether Vijay had met farmers in the state and alleged that the Tamil Nadu government had failed to take adequate steps in the Cauvery dispute. He further claimed that the Chief Minister lacked the courage to confront the Congress government in Karnataka over the issue.

'Joker ministers are busy making reels', says Udhayanidhi

Udhayanidhi Stalin also launched a strong attack on the state Cabinet, referring to the ministers as a "joker group" while making several allegations against the ruling establishment.

He alleged that while farmers were suffering, ministers were busy with other activities and accused the government of attempting to divert public attention whenever a major issue emerged. "Open your mouth. Speak up on the Mekedatu issue. Chief Minister, who is sleeping on the Mekedatu issue, speak up. Don't you understand the suffering of the farmers?" Udhayanidhi Stalin asked.

He also criticised Water Resources Minister Anand, alleging that the minister avoided the media, and questioned the involvement of relatives of ministers in government inspections. "Who is a minister? Even officials do not know. The Chief Minister himself does not know who his ministers are," he said.

Udhayanidhi further alleged that the ruling establishment had become obsessed with making reels, claiming that the Chief Minister, ministers and MLAs were constantly engaged in social media publicity.

He added that the DMK was continuing its fight for farmers through public protests and legal action and claimed that legal proceedings had also been initiated in connection with the Cauvery dispute before the Supreme Court.

The organisers said the movement was not merely a protest against an entrance examination but a broader struggle to safeguard Tamil Nadu's rights over education, state autonomy, public healthcare and social justice.

It called upon the people of Tamil Nadu, political parties, and student and youth organisations to unite under the demand to abolish NEET and fight to protect the state's rights over education.

The organisation had launched an indefinite hunger strike at Thiruvalluvar Illam, the headquarters of the Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, in Chinmaya Nagar, Koyambedu on Saturday, along with members of the Anti-NEET Joint Action Committee.

Besides seeking the scrapping of NEET, the protesters also demanded the withdrawal of cases registered against students who participated in the recent anti-NEET demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

The ongoing hunger strike, led by Ravi, Pulianthope Mohan, Jeeva and Dhanasekar, along with Anitha's brother, aims to intensify the calls to cancel NEET, it said.

The statement also recalled Anitha, the student from Ariyalur who had challenged the implementation of NEET and fought the issue up to the Supreme Court.

After she was denied relief, her death by suicide in 2017 became a major turning point in the anti-NEET movement in Tamil Nadu, triggering widespread protests by students and youngsters across the state.

The statement also urged the Tamil Nadu government to expedite the legal and legislative measures being taken to secure exemption from NEET.

According to a press release, CTR Nirmalkumar, the party's Joint General Secretary, and A Rajmohan, the party's Deputy General Secretary, have been appointed as chief spokespersons. Rajmohan has also been named the in-charge of the Media and Communications Wing.

The party has appointed S Ramesh, J Catherine Pandian and KCT Ananthajith Mahiya as coordinators.

TVK also announced the appointment of seven chief spokespersons, including SS Vaigaichelvan, VP Kalairajan, C Mahendran, Y Jawahar Ali and Va Pugazhendhi.

Eight others, including YouTuber Felix Gerald, Advocate and chartered accountant Dr M Sathyakumar, S Veera Vigneshwaran, MK Thenmozhi Prasanna, Americai V Narayanan, Advocate A Sasirekha, Pazha Selvakumar and Vivek Gnanathan, have been appointed as national spokespersons.

The party also named 12 state spokespersons, including Mugil Veerappan alias MK Sivakumar, M Gnana Selvin Inbaraj alias MGS Inba, S Muhammad Ibrahim alias Ravuthar Ibrahim, Jagadeesapandian, PK Jayakumar, D Kandasamy, RK Jaleel, A Devakumar and M Soundararaja.

In addition, Tamilan Rahul Gandhi alias Rahul Gandhi, S Thyagarajan and Nareshkumar Rajendran have been appointed as State digital media spokespersons.

The posters also describe the Trisha Welfare Association as "the first one recognised by the Tamil Nadu Government," even though there is no official confirmation whether it was floated with the consent of the actor.

Trisha's frequent public appearances with Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, including her attendance at his swearing-in ceremony following the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) poll win, have fuelled speculation on social media about her possible entry into politics. However, the actor has publicly denied any affiliation with the TVK.

Against this backdrop, a newly formed Trisha Welfare Association has made it to the news. Members of the association have pasted posters across the city indirectly inviting the actor to enter politics. There was also no clarification or denial from the actor regarding the posters until the time the news went to print.

Although the posters bear registration number 53/2026, they do not list the names or designations of the association's office-bearers. Instead, they feature photographs of around seven men dressed in white shirts, apparently indicating that they are the organisers of the association.

When contacted, Madurai South Vijay Makkal Iyakkam president and TVK MLA SR Thangapandi claimed he was unaware of this and refused to comment further.

Madurai has historically been associated with the growth of fan club movements for several Tamil film actors. The Makkal Thalaivan Rajinikanth Thalaimai Narpani Mandram, regarded as one of Rajinikanth's earliest fan clubs, was started in Madurai in 1977.

An official release here said the government filed a petition in the apex court on the directions of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay who discussed the matter with senior advocates.

As of August 3, the combined total storage in the reservoirs in Karnataka--KRS, Kabini, Harangi and Hemavathy, stood at 77.537 TMC and Karnataka would face no difficulty in releasing Tamil Nadu's due share proportionately.

Following rains in the catchment areas in the KRS and Kabini dams in Karnataka recently, the proportionate water to be realised at Biligundlu should be 26.954 TMC, it said.

"Accordingly, the Cauvery Water Management Authority order allocating 4.536 TMC is very less," the release added.

Karnataka has "failed" to share Tamil Nadu its due share of water and the quantum was 26.954 TMC, following which the CM directed the state to move the SC on the advice of senior advocates and secure a "due order", it added.

"On the direction of the chief minister, to find a solution to this issue and get Tamil Nadu's due share of water on time, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court," the release said.

Addressing the CII Infrastructure Summit, Nageswaran said India is increasingly witnessing floods and droughts in the same State within a year. "Volatility, and not scarcity, is the new enemy of economic activity," he said, stressing that water infrastructure should be planned, built and financed just like roads and power.

He called for creating a comprehensive water buffer through greater storage capacity, groundwater recharge, wastewater reuse, desalination in coastal regions, and watershed management inland. "Water security is not a sector sitting beside agriculture, industry and health; it sits underneath all of this," he said.

Linking urban planning with water management, the CEA said India's low FSI limits compared with global cities have forced urban sprawl instead of vertical growth. As cities expand outward, he said, land becomes scarcer and more expensive, pushing development onto ecologically sensitive areas such as old tanks, lakes and filled-up ponds.

"When we cannot build upward, we spread outward. Every square metre of built space ends up carrying more land beneath it," he said.

The loss of traditional waterbodies and catchments, he added, leaves cities vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains while reducing their ability to store water during dry spells.

"We gain a little floor space and lose our storage. When the rains come, the water has nowhere to go, and we face flood. When they fail, nothing has been held back, and then we run dry. Everyone loses in the end," Nageswaran said.

He also criticised the practice of pricing water at virtually zero, saying it encourages waste and discourages investment in water infrastructure. "The thing we call free is the thing we destroy. This is not a paradox. It is a policy choice, and it can be chosen differently," he remarked.

Nageswaran’s remarks come amid growing concerns over climate-induced weather extremes and renewed focus on urban resilience and sustainable infrastructure planning.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, Palaniswami made the remarks after paying floral tributes to the statue of freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai at Guindy on the occasion of his 221st death anniversary.

'Government lacks experience'

Addressing reporters, Palaniswami said the TVK government, which came to power within two-and-a-half years of the party's formation, had not yet gained sufficient experience in handling complex issues such as the Cauvery dispute.

He alleged that the government had failed to consult other political parties before taking decisions and questioned the measures adopted so far to secure Cauvery water for Tamil Nadu.

Palaniswami further claimed that the government had failed to effectively implement the Supreme Court's verdict on the Cauvery issue and said a comprehensive strategy was needed to safeguard the State's interests.

Calls for legal consultations

The AIADMK leader said the Cauvery dispute and the Mekedatu dam issue should be pursued after consulting senior legal experts to ensure Tamil Nadu presents a strong legal case before the appropriate forums.

He also criticised the ruling dispensation for allegedly ignoring suggestions put forward by leaders of various political parties on the Cauvery issue.

Drawing a comparison with Karnataka, Palaniswami said the neighbouring State government had convened an all-party meeting and sought the views of political leaders and farmers regarding the Mekedatu project.

Seeks participation of farmers

Palaniswami said both AIADMK and DMK governments had, in the past, convened all-party meetings while dealing with the Cauvery issue and stressed that such consultations had been an established practice irrespective of which party was in power.

He urged the TVK government to follow the same approach by inviting leaders of all political parties and representatives of farmers' associations to discuss the issue and formulate a united stand on protecting Tamil Nadu's water rights.

The AIADMK chief maintained that a collective approach involving political parties, legal experts and farmers would strengthen Tamil Nadu's position in the Cauvery dispute as well as in opposing the proposed Mekedatu dam project.

General Council meeting soon

Responding to another query, Palaniswami announced that the AIADMK General Council meeting would be convened shortly. However, he did not specify the date or agenda for the meeting

A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M Pancholi issued a notice to original petitioners Rama Ravikumar and others but refused to stay the high court order.

The top court tagged Tamil Nadu's plea with the pending matter and adjourned it.

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led state government has challenged the January 6 order of the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court that upheld the single judge's order of December 1, 2025, which had ordered that the ceremonial lamp be lit on the festival day.

The State government said the promotions were made based on seniority and merit as part of its policy of transparent personnel management. The move is expected to strengthen field operations by improving supervision of power distribution, maintenance, new service connections and substation operations, especially ahead of the northeast monsoon.

The promoted engineers will also play a key role in improving the state's power infrastructure and ensuring reliable electricity supply to consumers, the release said.

The government said it was clearing long-pending promotions and administrative matters to improve employee career progression, morale and operational efficiency across the TNPDCL.