Tamiravaruni - Karumeniyaru Nambiyaru Link Canal Project: ▪ Chief Minister Stalin inaugurated this project in Tirunelveli. ▪ Former Chief Minister Karunanidhi launched this project on February 21, 2009. ▪ After 16 years, it has now come into public use. ▪ Will provide 2,765 million cubic feet of water for 10 days by connecting surplus water from Tamiravaruni River to Karumeniyaru and Nambiyaru rivers. ▪ Will provide irrigation facilities to a total of 23,040 hectares - 14,084.98 hectares in Tirunelveli district and 8,905.02 hectares in Thoothukudi district. Elephant population in Tamil Nadu rises to 2,961 ▪ Forest Minister K. Ponmudi inaugurated the Elephant Festival at Chennai Guindy Children's Park. ▪ 5 sanctuaries have been created to protect elephants. ▪ The elephant population in Tamil Nadu has now increased to 2,961. ▪ Special training is being provided to forest officials to prevent elephants from entering residential areas. ▪ Tamil Nadu government provides relief to those affected by elephants. Best Book Award Scheme: Tamil Nadu Government ▪ Through the 2023 Best Book Award Scheme, 33 authors and 33 publishers received prize money and certificates of appreciation from the Minister of Tamil Development and Information. ▪ Books are selected in 33 categories (novels, short stories, travel literature, traditional poetry, micro art). ▪ Authors receive Rs. 50,000 and Publishers receive Rs. 25,000 as prize money, increased from the previous Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively. Drone-based Crop Protection: Tamil Nadu Government Training for Self-Help Groups ▪ Tamil Nadu Government, in collaboration with the Central Government, has implemented a drone technology training program for women's self-help groups. ▪ Under this scheme, 44 women from 28 districts were selected through the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission and provided drone operation training. ▪ Specifically, training was provided on crop protection using drones. ▪ Trained self-help group women…
