MLA Vanathi Srinivasan urged the Tamil Nadu government to provide subsidized buttermilk from Aavin for Rs. 1 and distribute 300 units of free electricity during May and June to help residents combat severe heat.
Coimbatore: The impact of the menacing summer heat is being felt across Tamil Nadu, leading to significant drying up of water bodies such as the Mettur Dam and Veeranam Lake. Many reservoirs and lakes have dried up, intensifying the water scarcity in multiple areas. If this situation persists, Tamil Nadu might face acute drinking water shortages within a few weeks. The state has recorded temperatures exceeding 111 degrees Fahrenheit, and severe heatwaves are expected, as warned by the Meteorological Department.
In major cities like Chennai, construction of high-rise buildings continues to rise, reducing the number of trees which can mitigate at least two or three degrees Celsius of heat. Unfortunately, both the state government and local bodies show a lack of initiative in planting and conserving trees, which is disheartening. While preparations are made to combat rain and flood-related disasters, similar proactive measures need to be taken to protect people from escalating heat waves. Nevertheless, the ruling DMK government appears to be unconcerned. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has issued a statement and receded from taking significant action. Just like the substantial floods, extreme summer heat should be treated as a severe natural calamity.
Tamil Nadu is now urged by MLA Vanathi Srinivasan to allocate a special fund immediately to safeguard its citizens from the harsh summer. She emphasized that ensuring access to safe drinking water is paramount. Although water booths run by political parties and public welfare organizations provide temporary relief, they are often insufficient and unhygienic. As a result, Aavin should distribute buttermilk packets at one rupee until the heat wave subsides to offer residents some reprieve.
Moreover, with reservoirs dried up, it is crucial to dredge these water bodies to collect rainwater effectively. The absence of adequate drinking water in some regions should be preemptively addressed. Emergency water supplies must also be facilitated using tanker trucks in areas with no alternatives.
During summer, the excessive usage of air conditioning and continuous operation of fans increase electricity demands fourfold. Hence, to reduce the financial burden on citizens, free provision of 300 units of electricity in the sweltering months of May and June, as pledged during the 2021 Assembly elections by DMK, should be implemented.
In major cities like Chennai, construction of high-rise buildings continues to rise, reducing the number of trees which can mitigate at least two or three degrees Celsius of heat. Unfortunately, both the state government and local bodies show a lack of initiative in planting and conserving trees, which is disheartening. While preparations are made to combat rain and flood-related disasters, similar proactive measures need to be taken to protect people from escalating heat waves. Nevertheless, the ruling DMK government appears to be unconcerned. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has issued a statement and receded from taking significant action. Just like the substantial floods, extreme summer heat should be treated as a severe natural calamity.
Tamil Nadu is now urged by MLA Vanathi Srinivasan to allocate a special fund immediately to safeguard its citizens from the harsh summer. She emphasized that ensuring access to safe drinking water is paramount. Although water booths run by political parties and public welfare organizations provide temporary relief, they are often insufficient and unhygienic. As a result, Aavin should distribute buttermilk packets at one rupee until the heat wave subsides to offer residents some reprieve.
Moreover, with reservoirs dried up, it is crucial to dredge these water bodies to collect rainwater effectively. The absence of adequate drinking water in some regions should be preemptively addressed. Emergency water supplies must also be facilitated using tanker trucks in areas with no alternatives.
During summer, the excessive usage of air conditioning and continuous operation of fans increase electricity demands fourfold. Hence, to reduce the financial burden on citizens, free provision of 300 units of electricity in the sweltering months of May and June, as pledged during the 2021 Assembly elections by DMK, should be implemented.