more-in THENI Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Sunday inspected areas near Pillaiyar Oothu stream T. Moonanpatti and a few other areas in Thevaram town panchayat to assess the damage caused by inundation due to rains, the restoration and cleaning-up being undertaken. Speaking to the media after the inspection, he said that the district received widespread rains in the past couple of days. While the rains resulted in increased water flow in Pillaiyar Oothu stream, a blockage in the stream on the way to Chinnadevikulam tank resulted in water entering residential areas. “The inundated water has been drained. Work is going on in full swing to remove all encroachments and wild growth along Pillaiyar Oothu stream on the way to Chinnadevikulam tank,” he said. Pointing out that a wild elephant had entered the areas along the foothills near Thevaram and caused damage to the crops, he said that Forest Department had been asked to safely transport the elephant to another forest area. “We have also asked the department to dig trenches to prevent such incidents. Similarly, instructions have been given to erect watch towers to monitor the movement of elephants and alert the public accordingly,” he added. The Deputy CM also visited the areas in Thevaram and received petitions from the public. Stating that a majority of the petitions involved requests for construction of more toilets, drinking water facility, proper maintenance of waterbodies, and ensuring basic amenities like roads and street lights, he said that the officials concerned were given instructions to swiftly take action on the petitions. M. Pallavi Baldev, Collector, V. Baskaran, Superintendent of Police, R. Parthiban, Member of Parliament, and senior officials accompanied the CM.

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