TOP STORIES

Chennai, Dec 28 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) has acknowledged that several waterbodies under the Athikadavu-Avinashi irrigation project did not receive adequate water this year and assured that priority would be given to these areas during the next monsoon season. The flagship project, which became operational on August 17, 2024, aims to divert surplus water from the Bhavani River to rejuvenate 1,045 waterbodies across Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Erode districts. As part of the project, 1.5 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water was allocated for distribution this year. However, farmers in several regions have raised concerns over insufficient water supply.According to them, many tanks and ponds received only partial inflow, leaving agricultural activity severe...

Chennai, Dec 28 (IANS) With reports of avian influenza outbreaks emerging from neighbouring Kerala, poultry farms in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district -- one of the largest egg-producing hubs in the country -- have stepped up biosecurity and surveillance measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Although Namakkal does not share a direct border with Kerala, authorities and poultry farmers are taking no chances, given the district’s critical role in India’s poultry industry. Namakkal alone accounts for nearly 1,500 poultry farms and produces millions of eggs daily, supplying markets across several Indian states and overseas. In view of the recent developments, the Tamil Nadu government has intensified monitoring at inter-state borders, increased inspections of poultry transport vehicles, a...

Chennai, Dec 28 (IANS) The Northeast Monsoon season in Tamil Nadu, which typically spans from October to December, is nearing its conclusion, with the state having received close to its normal rainfall for the season. According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon, which began in October, is now in its final phase, with only a few days remaining before it officially withdraws.This year, the Northeast Monsoon brought widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu, significantly benefiting the state.The impact of Cyclone Ditwah played a crucial role in enhancing rainfall, particularly across the delta districts and parts of northern Tamil Nadu.Chennai and its surrounding regions also witnessed substantial rainfall spells during the season.From October 1 until now, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry t...

New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Sunday morning as several parts of the national capital woke up under a thick layer of smog, once again highlighting the city's persistent pollution woes.While Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered on the edge of the 'very poor' category, neighbouring Noida recorded 'severe' air quality, with the AQI touching 415.According to data from the Sameer app, developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's overall AQI stood at 391 as of 6:05 a.m. on Sunday.Out of the 39 active air quality monitoring stations in the city, from a total of 40, as many as 20 stations recorded air quality in the "severe" category.Among the worst-affected areas were Anand Vihar, which recorded an AQI of 445, Shadipur ...

Chennai, Dec 28 (IANS) Three fishermen from Mandapam in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing near Katchatheevu during early morning hours of Sunday, triggering fresh concerns over the safety and livelihood of Indian fishermen operating in the Palk Strait. According to official sources, the fishermen had ventured out for routine fishing when Sri Lankan naval personnel intercepted their mechanised boat, alleging that it had crossed into Sri Lankan territorial waters.The fishermen were subsequently taken into custody and shifted, along with their seized fishing vessel, to the Kankesanthurai naval camp in northern Sri Lanka for further questioning.The latest arrest has spar...