Aug 3: The Tamil Nadu government has constituted an expert advisory committee to assess the potential impacts of a strong El Niño event and strengthen the state’s preparedness for extreme weather during the 2026–27 and 2027–28 financial years.
The committee, formed by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department through a government order issued on July 28, will provide scientific guidance to reduce risks from climate related disasters.
The panel will study the likely effects of El Niño on rainfall patterns, drought conditions and other climate risks across Tamil Nadu. It will identify vulnerable regions, monitor rainfall and drought trends, and recommend precautionary measures based on scientific assessments.
The committee will also assist the Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency in strengthening early warning systems and improving preparedness for weather-related emergencies. In addition, it will suggest district specific strategies for drought and flood mitigation to help government departments respond effectively to potential climate disruptions.
Chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration, the committee includes experts from Anna University, IIT Madras, WRI India, the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company, the State Environment Appraisal Committee, the Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute and Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited.
The initiative reflects the state’s emphasis on science based planning as forecasts indicate the possibility of a strong El Niño event later this year, which could trigger uneven rainfall, prolonged dry spells, drought or flooding in vulnerable parts of Tamil Nadu.