Minister of Dairy Development T. Mano Thangaraj on Saturday inspected paddy fields in Chenbagaramanputhoor village of Thovalai taluk, damaged by the recent rainfall in the district.
During inspection, he noted that the recent rainfall in the district had submerged crops with around 8.5 hectares of paddy fields in Chenbagaramanputhoor village having been completely destroyed.
During inspection, farmers sought compensation for the losses. Responding to their concerns, Mr. Mano Thangaraj said that agricultural department officials were conducting district-wide crop damage assessment, and the issue will be brought to the Chief Minister’s attention for necessary action.
Kanniyakumari district Collector R. Alagumeena, Nagercoil Corporation Mayor R. Mahesh, Revenue Divisional Officer S. Kaleeswari and other officials were present during the inspection.
Following the inspection, the Minister addressed the media at the Collectorate, where he stated that all departments were actively involved in the northeast monsoon mitigation works.
Speaking on the crop damage in the district, he observed that the overall impact had been minimal. He urged the farmers to report losses to respective Village Administrative Officers to ensure proper assessment and compensation.
He further highlighted that paddy procurement in the district was proceeding in an orderly manner, with 2,500 metric tonnes procured so far, and exhorted the farmers to report any issue in procurement to the district administration.
On infrastructure, the Minister said that officials have been instructed to document all damaged roads, which will be submitted for proposals to repair or lay new roads. He also stated that waterlogging issues were being continuously monitored, particularly for clearing blockages in waterways.
Mr. Mano Thangaraj further noted that 59 temporary shelters and 12 evacuation shelters have been established across the district, as part of northeast monsoon preparatory arrangements.
