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 can provide crop protection services to farmers
