Tamil Nadu panel to look into weather vagaries

CHENNAI: The State government has constituted an expert advisory committee to monitor its potential impact and recommend measures to mitigate drought and flood risks.

The panel includes P Pradeep John, popularly known as Tamil Nadu Weatherman, among its seven expert members.

According to a Government Order issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, the committee has been constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to advise the Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency (TNDRRA) on scientific and precautionary measures.

The move follows a proposal from the Commissioner of Revenue Administration and the State Relief Commissioner, who warned of a high probability that a severe El Niño event will develop in 2026, which could affect monsoon rainfall and increase the risk of droughts and floods.

The committee will be chaired by the Commissioner of Revenue Administration and State Relief Commissioner. Its members include S Kanmani, head, Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management, Anna University; Professor Balaji Narasimhan of IIT Madras; Arivudai Nambi Appadurai, Director, Climate Resilience Practice, WRI India; Ramesh Ramachandran, advisor to the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company; R Venkatesan, expert member of the State Environmental Appraisal Committee; JK Patterson Edward, director, Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute; and P Pradeep John, popularly known as Tamil Nadu Weatherman and senior manager at Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL).

The committee has been tasked with monitoring rainfall patterns and drought conditions, identifying vulnerable areas, strengthening early warning systems, and recommending measures to mitigate the impact of droughts and floods. It will also suggest strategies to enhance the State's disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

The committee will function during 2026-27 and 2027-28. Members will not receive sitting fees or travel allowances, though the government may consider such payments later based on a proposal from the Revenue Administration Department.