Latest news with #S.Kandasamy
The Hindu
a day ago
- General
- The Hindu
Guidelines issued for Vinayaga Chaturthi celebration in Erode
Ahead of Vinayaga Chaturthi celebration on August 27, the district administration has issued strict guidelines for idol immersion, urging the public to celebrate the festival in an environmentally responsible manner. In a release, Collector S. Kandasamy emphasised the importance of protecting water bodies, which are vital sources of drinking water. Citizens have been requested to immerse idols only at designated sites notified for each district and to follow the guidelines laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board, available on the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board website ( The release stated that only idols made of biodegradable, and eco-friendly materials will be permitted for immersion. The use of Plaster of Paris, plastic, polystyrene, and other non-degradable materials is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, only dried flowers and natural tree resins may be used for decoration. Toxic paints, dyes, and chemical-based ornamentation are banned. Instead, artisans and the public are encouraged to use natural, water-based, and non-toxic dyes, along with reusable decorative clothing made from natural fabrics. The use of single-use plastic and polystyrene in the making or decoration of idols and pandals is also banned. Straw and other biodegradable materials should be used instead. The Collector appealed to the public to uphold the State's rich tradition of environmental stewardship by ensuring that this year's celebrations are both pollution-free and sustainable.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Hindu
Minor leak in LBP canal to be fixed in two days, says Minister Muthusamy
Minister for Housing, Prohibition and Excise S. Muthusamy on Saturday said the minor leakage in the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) canal at the bridge at Vandipalayam in Sathyamangalam taluk would be rectified within two days. Water was released from the Bhavanisagar Dam on July 31 to irrigate 1,03,500 acres in Erode, Karur, and Tiruppur districts. On Friday, a leakage was noticed at the bottom of the bridge located at the 13th mile of the canal. At the time, 1,000 cusecs of water was being discharged. Despite the leak, discharge into the canal was not stopped, and officials from the Water Resources Department began repair works immediately. On Saturday, the Minister, along with District Collector S. Kandasamy and Erode East MLA V.C. Chandhirakumar, inspected the repair works. Mr. Muthusamy told media persons repair and maintenance works had been carried out along a 74-mile stretch of the canal prior to the release of water to ensure smooth flow. 'However, during routine monitoring, a leak was found on the side portion below the Thottipalayam bridge. There is no major damage, and engineers have said that the issue is minor and will be fixed within two days,' he said. Executive Engineer Gopi (Public Works Department), Assistant Executive Engineer P. Thirumoorthy (Lower Bhavani Basin Division), assistant engineers, and officials accompanied the Minister during the inspection.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Nalam Kakkum Stalin scheme to boost public health awareness, says Minister Muthusamy
Despite the implementation of several welfare schemes over the past four-and-a-half-years, the newly launched Nalam Kakkum Stalin scheme is seen as particularly significant as it directly promotes public health awareness and preventive care, said Minister for Housing, Prohibition and Excise S. Muthusamy here on Saturday (August 2, 2025). The Minister inaugurated the scheme at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Vellode, in the presence of District Collector S. Kandasamy and MLA V.C. Chandhirakumar. As part of the initiative, 45 health camps have been planned across the district. Speaking to media persons, the Minister highlighted the ongoing success of the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam initiative, which has delivered mobile medical services to various sections of the population. 'Of the three lakh people invited for cancer screening, over 1.5 lakh have already been tested. Among them, 32 individuals were diagnosed with cancer and are currently receiving treatment,' he said. However, he clarified that this does not indicate a high prevalence of cancer in the district. Responding to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami's allegation that 2,000 Amma Mini Clinics were closed under the DMK regime, the Minister refuted the claim. He asserted that the current government's doorstep healthcare initiative is fully functional, adequately staffed, and equipped with essential medicines. Addressing concerns over reports of kidney trafficking, Mr. Muthusamy said the government had identified isolated incidents and initiated firm action. Investigations into the medical institutions allegedly involved are ongoing, and strict measures are being taken wherever malpractice is confirmed. Commenting on the Madras High Court directive prohibiting the use of Chief Ministers' images in government welfare advertisements, the Minister said, 'The government will strictly follow the court's order. There is no need to advertise using the Chief Minister's image—everyone, from children to adults, knows M.K. Stalin is the Chief Minister.'
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Hindu
Adequate fertilizers available for first crop season: Collector
With water being released from the Bhavanisagar Dam into the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) canal for irrigation, District Collector S. Kandasamy has assured farmers that sufficient stocks of fertilizers are available to meet the needs of the first crop season. Water was released from the dam on Friday evening for a period of 135 days to irrigate 1,03,500 acres in the districts of Erode, Tiruppur, and Karur. Addressing concerns raised by a section of farmers regarding fertilizer availability, the Collector said that 15,472.90 metric tonnes of fertilizers are currently stocked in the district. The stock includes 3,006.60 metric tonnes of urea, 2,286.50 metric tonnes of DAP, 3,114.70 metric tonnes of potash, and 7,065.10 metric tonnes of complex fertilizers. In addition to fertilizers, the Collector also highlighted the availability of seeds for the current sowing season. As per data, 321 metric tonnes of paddy seeds, 63.31 metric tonnes of small millets, 116.10 metric tonnes of oilseeds, and 31 metric tonnes of legume varieties are available for distribution to farmers. The administration has urged farmers to make use of the available resources and commence cultivation activities.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Collector launches book reading movement ahead of Erode Book Festival 2025
In a bid to promote reading habits among school and college students ahead of the Erode Book Festival 2025, District Collector S. Kandasamy launched a district-wide book reading movement on Thursday. As part of the initiative, the Collector also joined students and read books with them, emphasising the joy and importance of reading. The 21st edition of the Erode Book Festival is scheduled to be held from August 1 to 12 at the grounds of Chikkaiah Government Arts and Science College, Erode. The festival is being jointly organised by the Department of Public Libraries and Makkal Sinthanai Peravai. To mark the occasion and underscore the significance of the event, the Collector read books with students for 21 minutes. Speaking about the value of reading, he noted that 'books are essential tools for intellectual and cultural development. Reading enhances knowledge, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.' He also cited notable sayings such as 'Let's read books to build a better world,' and 'Touching a book may feel like paper, but reading it continuously turns it into a weapon of success.' The book reading movement witnessed participation from 1.6 lakh school and college students across the district, who took part from their respective institutions. Students read a wide range of literature, including works by scholars, science books, literary novels, short stories, poetry collections, books on ethics, biographies, and thought-provoking essays.
