Minister E.V. Velu Inspects Samudram Lake Canal

Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports E.V. Velu today personally inspected the ongoing drainage canal works at the Nallavanpalayam Samudram Lake under the Tiruvannamalai Corporation, aimed at preventing flooding and rainwater damage during the northeast monsoon. He was accompanied by District Collector K. Tharbagaraj, Member of Parliament C.N. Annadurai, District Revenue Officer I. Irampradeepan, Highways Department Monitoring Engineer Tamurali, Corporation Commissioner Selvabalaji, State Athletics Association Vice-President E.V.V. Kamban, and Municipal DMK Secretary Karthivelmaran.
As part of precautionary measures for the monsoon, the district administration has intensified renovation of water channels, electrical maintenance, and lake dredging works. The Minister inspected the canal connecting Samudram Lake to the Thurinjal Aaru (Thurinjal River) and directed officials to speed up the remaining work.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Mr. Velu said, “Last year, overflow from Samudram Lake flooded areas including Radha Bai Nagar, Chirnabhumi Nagar, and the Lower Dam Bank, causing inconvenience to the public. The flooding occurred mainly because the canals were not dredged properly. This year, we have taken up dredging and widening of the 5-km-long canal leading to the Thurinjal River before the northeast monsoon. So far, 3 km of work has been completed, and the remaining portion will be finished soon.”
Officials said the project will significantly improve rainwater conservation, strengthen urban drainage, and prevent monsoon-related flooding in the low-lying residential areas of Tiruvannamalai.