Chennai, Aug 1:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has sanctioned ₹340 crore to strengthen drinking water supply and implement drought mitigation measures across the State amid continuing dry weather conditions.
The allocation was announced following a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to assess the prevailing drought situation and evaluate preparedness to tackle water scarcity.
Of the total outlay, ₹330 crore has been earmarked for drinking water infrastructure and emergency supply measures. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure uninterrupted water supply to affected areas through tanker lorries and expedite the replacement of ageing pipelines to improve distribution efficiency.
An additional ₹10 crore has been allocated to the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department to ensure adequate fodder supply for cattle and other livestock impacted by drought conditions.
The Chief Minister also instructed senior IAS officers, appointed as district monitoring officers, to closely track the situation and ensure timely implementation of relief measures. District Collectors have been directed to review drinking water supply and drought-related works during weekly meetings.
The review meeting was attended by Ministers R. Vinoth and N. Marie Wilson, Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi, and other senior officials.
The latest allocation underscores the State government’s focus on ensuring safe drinking water, protecting livestock, and strengthening drought preparedness across Tamil Nadu.