Latest news with #AgniNatchathiram


New Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Thoothukudi farmers say crops on 1.5K acres wilting, seek water
THOOTHUKUDI: Claiming that over 1,500 acres of banana plantation and 100 acres of betel creepers are withering due to soaring heat and inadequate water supply, farmers submitted a petition to Collector K Elambahavath seeking the release of water into the north channel. K Subudurai, Tamil Nadu Vivasaya Sangam Eral Taluk secretary, stated in the petition that the north channel branching off from Srivaikuntam anaicut on the river Thamirabarani has been closed for maintenance works, citing construction of bridges at Kalangudi, Mangalapuram, and Melamangalakurichi. Moreover, the Public Works Department (PWD) is laying stone blocks on the riversides between the head sluice of Arumugamangalamkulam tank and Kottaikadu village. However, the banana plantation and betel plants grown in 1,500 acres in Eral, Kottaikadu, Lakshmipuram, Valavallan, Korkai, Manalur, Ganapathy Samuthram, Arasankulam, and Selvavinayagapuram villages, directly fed by the north channel, are left dry. After the onset of Agni Natchathiram, the crops have also begun withering due to the scorching heat. Subudurai further said that officials are carrying out project works, ignoring the condition of crops directly fed by the channel. Despite there being plenty of water stored in Papanasam dam at 83 feet and Manimutharu dam at 85 feet, crops are withering off without water. These works can be stopped for two weeks, and the water can be released to save the crops. Also, it is time to release water for Advance kar from April 1 to July 10, which is the sole right of the north and south channel farmers in Thoothukudi. A few other farmers said that they are yet to recover from the financial losses caused by the December 2023 floods that devastated the Thamirabarani basin. The officials must consider visiting the agriculture fields and recommend for release of water to save the crops.


Hans India
03-05-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Govt issues advisory as ‘Agni Natchathiram' begins in Tamil Nadu tomorrow
Chennai: The peak summer phase in Tamil Nadu, known as Agni Natchathiram or Kathiri Veyil, will commence on Sunday, May 4, and continue till May 28. These 25 days are typically marked by intense heat, with temperatures already soaring past 100 degrees Fahrenheit in several parts of the state. This year, the summer heat has been intensifying since March, with a sharp spike recorded in early May. As Agni Natchathiram approaches, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast worsening heatwave conditions, especially in coastal districts, with temperatures expected to rise by up to 5 degrees Celsius above normal. In light of the soaring temperatures, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) has issued a detailed advisory urging the public to take precautions. The department recommends drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding direct sun exposure as much as possible. 'Residents are strongly advised to stay indoors between 12 noon and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its peak,' the advisory stated. It also encouraged using umbrellas or hats for protection and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak hours. The health advisory further warned against leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles, as internal temperatures can rise dangerously fast. The public has been advised to limit the intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration. To reduce heat buildup indoors, residents are encouraged to avoid cooking during peak heat hours. Walking barefoot on hot surfaces and consuming high-protein or expired foods should also be avoided, as they can increase bodily stress in extreme temperatures. For hydration, the DPH suggests consuming homemade drinks such as lemon water, buttermilk, lassi, and fruit juices with a pinch of salt, along with fruits and vegetables rich in water content.


Hans India
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Coastal TN to face intense heat in May, temperatures may rise by 5 degrees Celsius
Chennai: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast a significant rise in temperatures across the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu during May, with the mercury expected to soar 5 degrees Celsius above the average. The peak summer heatwave period, known locally as 'Kathiri Veyil' or 'Agni Natchathiram,' will begin on May 4 and is expected to last for 25 days. The RMC has warned of intense heat conditions, particularly in coastal areas, urging residents to take all necessary precautions. In response, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) has issued a series of safety guidelines to help the public cope with the extreme heat. It has advised residents to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and to avoid direct exposure to the sun as much as possible. "Residents are urged to stay indoors between 12 noon and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its peak,' the DPH stated. It also recommended using umbrellas or hats for protection and avoiding strenuous physical activities during the hottest part of the day. The health advisory warned against leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles, noting that temperatures inside can rise rapidly, leading to fatal consequences. The public has also been advised to limit the intake of artificial soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcohol, as these beverages can contribute to dehydration. To minimise heat buildup indoors, the DPH advised avoiding cooking during peak heat hours and suggested refraining from walking barefoot on hot surfaces. Residents were also urged to steer clear of high-protein foods and expired items, as they can increase the body's stress under high temperatures. For hydration, the department encouraged the consumption of homemade drinks such as lemon water, buttermilk, lassi, and fruit juices with a pinch of salt. Eating fruits and vegetables with high water content was also recommended. Special precautions were advised for infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with heart conditions, and outdoor workers. The advisory stressed the need for regular monitoring of vulnerable individuals, particularly those living alone. Outdoor workers were instructed to limit sun exposure, avoid heavy physical tasks during peak heat, take frequent breaks in shaded areas, and drink water every 20 minutes. The public has been urged to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or signs of heat stress.