A.V.Ragunathan
CUDDALORE: The width and depth of the Paravanar have been reduced to less than half its original size owing to accumulation of silt and encroachments. This led to frequent floods, affecting lives of farmers and residents along its course.

Better amenities: Residents of Cuddalore stage a demonstration in front of the Collectorate on Friday, demanding better drainage system.

VILLUPURAM: The Irulas of Villupuram, Cuddalore and Tiruvannamalai districts have decided not to hunt endangered species such as monitor lizards, rabbits, snakes and mongoose.

The general body of the Pazhangudi Irular Padhukappu Sangham that met here on Sunday, with its vice-president U. Malar in the chair, adopted a resolution.

CHENNAI: The CPI (M) on Tuesday made a strong case for effective implementation of the rainwater harvesting programme, a mega plan to desilt hundreds of lakes, including the Veeranam lake in Cuddalore, and drainage systems for Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur districts to prevent floods.

HEARING THEIR GRIEVANCES: Villupuram Collector R.Palanisamy attending the gram sabha meeting at Nannadu in Cuddalore district on Thursday.

VILLUPURAM: Gram sabha meetings were held in Villupuram and Cuddalore districts to commemorate Gandhi Jayanthi on Thursday.

CUDDALORE: The National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) has been launched at Annamalai University, Chidambaram, near here.

The project to be implemented with an outlay of Rs 7.32 crore has set the objective of providing sustainable livelihood to small and marginal farmers in the select disadvantaged districts.

Vice-Chancellor M.Ramanathan said for the implementation of the project, a consortium led by the Department of Agronomy of Annamalai University had been formed.

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Petroleum refinery unit to come up near Cuddalore Chennai CHIEF Minister M Karunanidhi on Wednesday laid foundation for two major projects - Petroleum Refinery Project near Cuddalore and Thiruchopuram port project - with a total investment of Rs 7,290 crore. The Chief Minister unveiled the plaques marking the foundation for both projects at the Secretariat. The two projects would generate direct employment opportunities for 5,700 persons and indirect employment for 11,300 persons.

A.V.Ragunathan 1,000 cusecs of water to be released through four canals, says Minister irrigation-friendly: Health Minister M.R.K.Panneerselvam opening the sluices of the Keelanai on Sunday. CUDDALORE: Health Minister M.R.K. Pannerselvam opened the sluices of the Kollidam-Keelanai, about 95 km from here, releasing water for irrigation on Sunday. He said that owing to the timely release of water from the Mettur dam on June 12, the level in the Keelani now stood at 8 feet (full level 9 ft). The water initially reached the Kallanai on June 16 and the Keelanai on June 18.

Government urged to implement the Tamil Nadu Tank Protection and Encroachment Removal Act 2007 CUDDALORE: Environmentalists, social service activists and farmers, who met here on Saturday, urged the government to create a separate Ministry for the protection of water sources. The Ministry, in coordination with the people, should formulate measures that would safeguard the water sources.

Puducherry: There is a new delicacy that is in hot demand in hamlets in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry protein rich rat meat. It comes cheap, just Rs 2.50 per rat, and villagers swear nothing tastes better. Snake-hunting Irula tribals, desperate to peddle their rodent-snaring skills, have succeeded in getting the meat on the kitchen menu of villages in Cuddalore district and the Union Territory. The trend could catch on elsewhere too.