Minister N. Anand reviews pre-monsoon desilting works, Budget 2026-27 grant proposals

Press Release As per the orders of the Hon'ble Chief Minister Thiru. C. Joseph Vijay, a review meeting on ongoing works in the Water Resources Department, the Policy Note for 2026-2027 and Demand for Grants announcements in the Legislative Assembly was held today (29.07.2026) at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai, chaired by the Hon'ble Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources, Thiru. N. Anand. Addressing the review meeting, the Hon'ble Minister stated that the Government of Tamil Nadu has developed the "Vision Vetri Tamizhagam" development programme in line with the Hon'ble Chief Minister's vision. To achieve these vision goals, various new projects in the Water Resources Department are being designed on a scientific basis, taking climate change into account, and using modern technologies. These projects are being considered by the Government for announcement in the forthcoming Policy Note (Budget 2026-2027). Water is the lifeline of Tamil Nadu. The Government is therefore working with the lofty objective of conserving, improving, and sustainably using water resources for future generations. Every year, before the onset of the monsoon, desilting of lakes, ponds, dams, canals and drainage systems, bund strengthening works, and all necessary maintenance works must be completed within the planned deadline. The Government's objective is to fully harvest monsoon rainwater and significantly reduce flood damage through this. Similarly, all flood prevention and flood mitigation works underway across the State must be completed swiftly without any delay. The Government is committed to developing permanent and lasting solutions to ensure that people and agricultural lands are not affected by floods. Farmers' welfare is the Government's primary objective. Agricultural output must be increased by improving irrigation facilities and ensuring that every drop of water is used effectively. At the same time, all necessary steps are being taken to secure drinking water for both urban and rural populations. It is this Government's firm policy to protect Tamil Nadu's water resources, strengthen them to meet future needs, and effectively confront the challenges of climate change. I take this opportunity to state that this Government is committed to the Water Resources Department continuing to implement innovative, people-centric and sustainable projects in order to realise the "Vetri Tamizhagam" vision. Priority must be given to the following: 1. Water bodies must be properly desilted. 2. Water bodies and supply channels must be desilted and maintained by properly engaging corporates and NGOs. 3. The required no-objection certificates must be issued to them immediately. 4. The above works must be carried out swiftly, transparently, and in a manner that avoids complaints. 5. All water bodies must be desilted and maintained before the northeast monsoon. The review was attended by Water Resources Department Principal Secretary Dr. Satyabrata Sahoo, IAS, Special Secretary Thiru. Sridharan, Chief Engineer Thiru. Gopalakrishnan, all Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers and Water Resources Department engineers. Issued by: Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9