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DMK Blames Climate, Its Ally Congress Blame People For Chennai’s 2024 Inundation Crisis Amid Heavy Rainfall

By
The Commune
-
DMK Blames Climate, Its Ally Congress Blame People For Chennai's 2024 Inundation Crisis Amid Heavy Rainfall

The Chennai rainfall of 2024 have starkly highlighted the inefficiencies of the Dravidian model in managing flooding and inundation in the capital city. In response, DMK spokespersons and their alliance partners are struggling to address media and public inquiries. Once again, the DMK and its leaders are deflecting criticism by questioning the actions of the previous administration, despite having been in power for three years and spending around five thousand crores on stormwater drainage and silt management in the city during 2023-24.

In a recent Tamil news media debate regarding whether Chennai will escape from the regular fate of rainfall flooding, the DMK and its ally Congress’s spokespersons had a very hard time as the host kept pressing them with the questions. The ruling DMK’s spokesperson deflected the question and resorted to angrily expressing his views while the Congress went one step ahead to buttress that it was the people’s fault to buy houses constructed on what used to be lakes.

The debate began with a panel member explaining the recent monsoon rains and data related to Chennai rainfall observations. It then shifted to a PMK member from the opposition, who criticized the DMK for failing to take meaningful action, accusing them of only making empty statements. The host then turned to DMK spokesperson Saravanan, who started off calmly but grew increasingly agitated as the host pressed him on what concrete steps the party had taken. In a slip of the tongue, he acknowledged that some work was still pending, leading him to respond angrily rather than directly addressing the question.

The host pointed out that the PMK panel member questioned why, if the DMK had taken appropriate steps, there was a need to visit affected areas and console the public. In response, the DMK spokesperson deflected it as if they had only recently formed the government and blamed the previous AIADMK regime, stating, “Yeah, that was a good question. To whom should all these questions have been asked means is their former ally, the AIADMK, I don’t know now they are an ally or not. To whom should all these questions be asked means their erstwhile partner, I don’t know if they are still allies or not. They should have asked the AIADMK. They were in power from 2011-2021, after 2015 this is the trend, we know that this is how rain is going to fall, unprecedented rain, and climate change. In 2015 they said they spent 6000 crore rupees, and 1000 crore rupees spent in Chennai alone EPS campaigned.”

The host intervened, pointing out that DMK spokesperson Saravanan was defending his party without logical support, stating, “Sir, you have spent 4,000 crores.“ Despite this, Saravanan continued to defend his position, claiming that out of the 1,101 km recommended by the Thiruppugazh Committee for rainwater drainage, they had completed 836 km in two years. Hearing this absurd statement, the host challenged his logic, asking, “Sir, how many areas have been inundated? I acknowledge that you’ve completed the 800 km, and I won’t question those statistics and doubt it, but why is there still water stagnating?” 

In response, Saravanan attributed his party’s inefficiencies to climate factors, explaining that the capital wasn’t flooded in 2022 due to regular monsoon rains but in 2023, there was 50 cm of rain within two days, Then he stated currently out of 44 km of rainwater drainage, 30 km had been completed, with only a few still pending. He also criticized the ongoing CMRL infrastructure works for contributing to the problem.

When Saravanan argued that CMRL was also a contributing factor, the host questioned whether the inundation in Palikaranai was due to CMRL’s work. Saravanan responded that the area is low-lying, to which the host countered, “We’ve been saying this for 10 years, and even discussed it last year. Isn’t there a viable plan to address this?” A visibly angry Saravanan then asked the host if he expected the rain to disappear in a short time, emphasizing that it takes time to manage such issues.

When the DMK spokesperson blamed climate and nature in Chennai for the rainfall flooding, their ally, Congress spokesperson Trichy Velusamy, took it a step further by blaming the citizens for building houses on lakebeds. Velusamy began by stating that humans are the main reason for the flooding, as they have obstructed the natural pathways for water to flow to the sea. He asked, “You’ve questioned what residents of Chennai can do when rainwater enters their homes. I’m asking you, in Chennai’s Maduravoyil, there’s a place called Erikarai bus stand if you look for a lake there, you won’t find one. There’s Lake View Avenue, but you wouldn’t even know where the lake is, there is Kullakarai Salai but has no pond, and Velachery is a lake right, you’ve constructed houses on the waterbeds...”

The host, frustrated by the Congress spokesperson’s unreasonable defense, questioned, “Who did the construction there? Did I build the house by myself? Didn’t the government grant permission? Did they not provide EB connections?” However, the Congress spokesperson continued unabatedly, saying, “There is no point in blaming the government if you don’t care about yourself.“ then he asked, “Liquor shops are everywhere in the town will you drink it? but I won’t drink because I should protect my health right like that we should make a good decision.” He asserted that the people are the government, and until they make a change, nothing will improve.

(Thiruppugazh Committee recommended reforms to the regulatory framework, emphasizing the need for improved monitoring of climate change-induced flooding and a strengthened techno-legal regime to enhance flood management in Chennai)

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Why This Dravidian Stock Weatherman Is A DMK Propagandist

By
The Commune
-
Dravidian Stock Weatherman Pradeep John Is A DMK Propagandist

As though he has been appointed the official weatherman of the state, Sun News carried a news card carrying the information that self-proclaimed, freelance weather blogger TamilNadu Weatherman, Pradeep John, explaining the reason for rainwater stagnation in Chennai following heavy rains. The news card read, “The total rainfall that Chennai receives drains only through four channels (Ennore, Napier, Adyar, Okkyam via Kovalam). Chennai can withstand 15 cm of rain. If it rains 20 cm, water will accumulate for a day. If there is 30 cm of rain, the areas near water bodies like Pallikaranai, Pulianthoppu, and Mudichur will definitely get stagnant. If it rains 40 cm, we are in an environment where water will remain for 4 days. Rainwater drains are laid for roads. Drainage cannot be constructed for rainfall of 40 cm. It is important to understand the context of our area and be proactive. -Pradeep John, private meteorologist”

This he had said in an interview with a YouTube channel. If we listen to the entire interview, it would sound as if he is justifying the stagnation and covering up the failures of the DMK government.

Justifying Flooding & Stagnation

In an interview with Galatta, he says, “We can withstand and manage rain up to 15cm. We can manage somewhat when we receive 20cm of rainfall. Yes, water will stagnate for a day, if we receive 30cm of rain, surely the localities like Pallikaranai marshlands, Pulianthope, Mudichur, Paruthipattu, Thiruverkadu, Mugalivakkam, will see stagnation – all these places have water bodies near them. If we receive 40cm of rain, we will surely see water stagnating for 4 days because we know we have those problems.”

He also said, “People are expecting rainwater to drain out immediately after it stops raining. It doesn’t happen even in developed countries. If you look at intense rains, about 50-60mm rains fall within 30-40 minutes. I have already mentioned that ours is a flat surface. We cannot compare with Delhi, Mumbai or Hyderabad. If you observe from the TNagar area to the beach, it is very flat. So it takes time for water to drain out. There will be 1-2 hours of stagnation. We cannot call it flooding by any definition. If we receive 150mm of rain, water will stagnate for 6 hours surely. And if we receive more than 200mm, the water will stagnate for a day. Stormwater drains are laid for roads. We cannot lay SWD for cyclones like Michaung where we received 400mm rain. In that case, we have to dig up the roads and make it a drain. That is not feasible. We cannot make SWDs for heavy rains that come once in 100 years.”

Had this been the case all along, the question arises as to why the government did not take appropriate measures to handle the situation better beforehand. It is also not clear as to what qualifications a “freelance weather blogger” watching rains for a hobby say such “facts” which is held up as “gospel truth” by DMK’s mouthpieces like Sun News.

It is noteworthy that Pradeep John has been giving interviews to media channels as well as YouTube channels over the past few days/weeks continuously as if he is building up his image profile.

In an interview with Karthigaichelvan of News18 Tamil in what seemed like a scripted interview, it was seen that whenever Pradeep John misspoke, Karthigaichelvan strategically intervened to change the topic or redirect attention to his team member, Srikanth. Dravidianist journalist Karthigaichelvan aimed to showcase Pradeep John and his team’s predictions as accurate. His questioning technique and hints at specific answers indicated a calculated approach throughout the discussion. For instance, he asked how they accessed their data, then paused briefly before emphasizing that their predictions had indeed been proven correct, so that they may answer to that accordingly.

Later establishing narrative for some time about their background as significant predictors, Karthigaichelvan shifted to direct accusations against the IMD. He questioned when the IMD could fail how Pradeep John and his team managed to make accurate predictions. Karthigaichelvan remarked, “As far as I can see there is a lot of negativity in the digital world but in that you all have relatively positive response and I think people like you to that extent.” He then questioned another weatherman, Srikanth, asking, “Everyone has a view that how can private weatherman predict exactly. How is that possible, when you are also taking the data from IMD and predict, when they (IMD) can’t?”

In response, Srikanth explained that when data is provided in a generic form, it can lead to inaccuracies. He stated that the IMD needs to offer comprehensive data for all of Tamil Nadu, rather than just general information. He emphasized that there are many factors to consider. He added that while he or Pradeep might rely on intuition, the government cannot afford to use intuition at an official level.

During the interview, Pradeep also echoed the DMK’s narrative regarding the recent tragedy at the IAF Marina Air Show, attributing the loss of lives to humidity. He seemed to blame the people for not taking enough water with them and not staying hydrated throught the event. This indirectly downplayed the acknowledged inefficiencies and mismanagement by the event organizers.

Later, Pradeep John addressed the perception that he was favoring the ruling government, clarifying that his focus was solely on serving the citizens, not supporting any political party. Karthigaichelvan reinforced this, stating that such branding is intended to undermine their work, urging Pradeep to disregard these claims and continue his efforts. Pradeep John said, “This has severe political sensitivity. If we post a comment like this, the branding that comes with it is very difficult. (They say) he is favoring them, for that government, but it is not like that. Our idea is whoever comes to power, we should work closely with them, benefit the people, and give as much as possible.”

When Pradeep attempted to clarify that they did not undermine the IMD, Karthigaichelvan quickly interrupted, complimenting his work as the testament will contradict their agenda, opined, “Generally, branding is an attempt to curtail your activities, so you don’t have to worry about it. There is big branding for you among people.”

For all the hype that is given to Pradeep John, what were his actual predictions like?

Weather Blogger Pradeep John’s Fudged Data During 2023 Floods

During the Michaung Cyclone that caused significant devastation to residents of Chennai, leading to widespread flooding across the city, the private weather blogger Pradeep John appeared at a press meeting with DMK ministers, where he manipulated the 36-hour rainfall data by comparing it to 24-hour data, claiming that the current administration is performing better. It’s important to note that Pradeep rose to prominence during the 2015 floods.

In reality, the city was inundated like no other. Areas that had never been flooded even during the 2015 floods like Annanagar, Madambakkam etc which do not flood during the monsoon season, were all inundated and water had entered most of the ground floor homes by 4 December 2023. Kollywood actor Vishal who took to social media platform X shared his plight from his Annanagar home. He said, “During such rains, we all know what will happen and is happening. First, they switch off the power, then waterlogging starts on the streets and then it enters homes. I am in Annanagar and water has entered my home. If this is the state of Annanagar, then imagine how it will be in low-lying areas. In 2015, we were able to help others as much as possible, but after 8 years, the situation is even worse. They announced a stormwater drain project, I am not able to find anything related to that – when was it started, when did they finish it, I have no idea. This is a request as a voter in the state, all MLAs from Chennai, please come out of your homes and have a look at the city and do whatever your constituency needs. This is not a political remark, this is a remark against the waterlogging problem. Even for a small rain, water gets logged in T Nagar but this time the entire city is waterlogged, and it is a disgusting and embarrassing situation we are in. Please take immediate measures for resolving this.”

“2021 Rains Were Heaviest Since 2015”

In 2021, when the DMK government had just come to power, it was peddled that Chennai, along with 11 other districts, received more than 20 cm of rain. This stage was set by Pradeep John on his weather blog and the same narrative was carried out in 2023 floods as well.

Despite Pradeep John claiming that he worked equally with both the Dravidian governments over the years with respect to weather predictions, it is clearly seen that he buttresses the DMK unfailingly.

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DMK’s Kanimozhi Vows To Create ‘BJP And RSS-Free Bharat’, Lauds Rahul Gandhi Who Claims To Be Dattatreya Kaul Brahmin To Appease Voters At TNCC Event

By
The Commune
-
DMK's Kanimozhi Vows To Create 'BJP And RSS-Free Bharat'

DMK MP Kanimozhi launched a fierce criticism of the BJP and RSS, pledging to establish a “BJP and RSS-free Bharat” during an event organized by the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) on 14 October 2024. She condemned the BJP and its ideological counterpart, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for promoting “hate politics.”

Kanimozhi, the sister of DMK Chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, did not hold back in her remarks, accusing these organizations of fostering division and animosity across the nation. “We will create a BJP and RSS-free Bharat,” she declared to an enthusiastic crowd. She further stated, “I want to tell the BJP in Tamil Nadu that they have no place here, as demonstrated in the last elections,” referencing the substantial losses the BJP faced in both the 2021 state assembly elections and the 2024 general elections.

The gathering, attended by senior Congress leaders and allies, aimed to denounce the divisive strategies allegedly promoted by the BJP and RSS. Kanimozhi highlighted the opposition’s resolve to combat these forces, characterizing the BJP and RSS as entities fixated on power and willing to exploit religion for political ends. “They are planting the seeds of hatred every day, and we must work tirelessly to uproot them,” she stressed, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to challenge their ideology.

She heaped praise on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him the only “fearless person” who is standing up to the BJP and RSS. According to Kanimozhi, Gandhi’s “Bharat Jodo Yatra” exemplifies love-based politics as a counter to what she described as the “hate politics” of the BJP-RSS. “If there is a fearless person today, it is Rahul Gandhi. He is spreading love to counter the hate politics of both BJP and RSS in the country,” she stated.

During her address, Kanimozhi criticized the BJP’s approach to religious politics, claiming they are insincere in their representation of Hinduism. “Those on this stage advocate for harmony-based politics. The BJP and RSS lack genuine faith; it’s all about securing votes,” she asserted. She highlighted that the DMK, influenced by E.V. Ramasamy, honors all religions and stands for social justice. “We uphold Periyar’s principles of social justice and are prepared to defend them,” she said, portraying the DMK as a secular and egalitarian force.

Kanimozhi also targeted the BJP’s opposition to practices like beef consumption, calling it another instance of their “hollow” and “fake” politics. She criticized the party for leveraging religion for political advantage, stating, “They oppose beef eating, but their motivations are purely political.”

In a pointed challenge to the RSS and BJP, she questioned their contributions to Hinduism: “What have they done for Hindus over the years? Can they provide any evidence to support their claims?” This highlighted the disparity between the BJP’s religious rhetoric and their actions.

Kanimozhi recounted an incident involving Rahul Gandhi and former Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, who allegedly insulted Gandhi by calling him a “casteless person” after he called for a caste census. Initially perplexed by the remark, she later recognized it as an insult but praised Gandhi’s response, remarking, “When I heard Rahul say, ‘Yes, I am casteless,’ I was unsure whether I was hearing a Congressman or a follower of Periyar.”

The Thoothukudi MP also commented on last year’s controversy surrounding the G20 summit dinner invitations, which referred to the “President of Bharat” instead of the “President of India.” At that time, Kanimozhi questioned whether the RSS was behind the initiative to rename the country, criticizing it as politically motivated. “Is the RSS dictating the agenda for the entire nation? Why has the name ‘Bharat’ suddenly come into play? What is the underlying motive?” she inquired.

Her remarks come amid speculation that she may feel sidelined within the DMK’s internal power structure. There are rumors suggesting her discontent with her nephew, Udhayanidhi Stalin, being appointed as Deputy Chief Minister a role she might have desired. As she appears to be shifting her focus to national politics, some view her outspoken opposition to the BJP as a strategic move to garner support within the opposition alliance and enhance her political profile. However, critics argue that she lacks the clout to sway DMK legislators or challenge Udhayanidhi’s rising prominence in the party.

(With inputs from Organiser)

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DMK Govt’s Fact-Checker Gets Fact-Checked, Peddles Half-Truths About Rainfall Received To Buttress DMK

By
The Commune
-
DMK Govt's Fact-Checker Gets Fact-Checked

The DMK government’s Fact-Checking Unit found itself in an embarrassing place when Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin contradicted their rebuttal to PMK founder Dr. Ramadoss’ claim about rainfall in Chennai, highlighting discrepancies in reported data amid ongoing concerns over waterlogging in the city.

DMK Fact-Checking Claims

The DMK government’s fact-checking unit (FCU) seems to be proving every single day that they are a supreme waste of public money. In fact, in this instance, their own minister unknowingly fact-checked the fact-checking unit’s claims!

It all began when Pattali Makkal Katchi founder Dr S Ramadoss made a post on his X handle regarding the heavy rains and how the people had lost faith in the ruling DMK government. He wrote, “6 cm of rain causes waterlogging in many places: Government of Tamil Nadu against Chennai Corporation People of Chennai have lost faith! In the 24 hours that ended at 8.00 am today in Chennai, only 6 cm of rain fell, and the city of Chennai could not bear the same. In many parts of the city of Chennai, rain water is stagnant in addition to the height of one foot. Water has entered the houses in many places. The results of 6 cm of rain show that flood prevention works including rainwater drainage carried out by the Tamil Nadu government and the Chennai Municipal Corporation in Chennai are not effective enough. So what will happen to Chennai if it rains 20 cm? The fear has increased. It is not enough to advertise in vain with the help of the media that the rainwater drainage works in Chennai are 90% complete and 95% complete. Actual acreage should be shown in fieldwork. If it had been shown in this way, 6 cm of rain would not have caused waterlogging in many places in Chennai. The people should have faith that the government that governs us will protect us, no matter what dangers or calamities come. The fact that the people of Chennai and its surrounding areas do not have that faith in the government shows that the people are stopping their merry-go-rounds at Velachery Bridge and Pallikaranai Bridge. Not a single one of the people who stopped drinking said that rainwater will not stagnate in their areas due to the measures taken by the Tamil Nadu government. It doesn’t matter if the police impose thousands of fines on the contrary; Their disbelief in the government has been shown by saying that they will stop our fun at the bridge. It is true that parking vehicles on bridges slows down traffic. However, no one objected to the stopping of floats at Velachery and Pallikarana Bridges. It means that the people have understood the manipulativeness of the Tamil Nadu Government and the Chennai Corporation. In the beginning, the Chennai Metropolitan Police, who threatened to remove the rickshaws by threatening and fining them, fearing the public’s opposition, have now retorted that we have not fined the rickshaws parked on the bridges. Therefore, the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Chennai Corporation should avoid indulging in vain advertisements and do fieldwork to create a situation where flood water does not stagnate in Chennai, no matter how much rain it rains. We need to gain the trust of the people to believe that this is the government that will protect us.”

In response to this, the FCU claimed that Chennai did not receive only 6 cm of rainfall. They wrote an elaborate post stating, “Misinformation being spread that only 6 cm of rain has fallen in Chennai! “Chennai received a maximum of 6 cm of rain in the 24 hours that ended at 8:00 am today, and the city of Chennai could not bear it,” Ramadoss, the founder of PMK, posted on social media. What is the truth? This is incorrect information.

In Chennai from 8.30 AM yesterday (14.10.2024) to 8.30 am today (15.10.2024) maximum 10 cm rain in Ennoor, 9 cm rain in Manali, Tiruvik Nagar, Ponneri, Royapuram, Kolathur, District Collectorate, Kodambakkam, Ambattur, Sholinganallur and Teynampet areas have also received 8 cm of rain, according to the India Meteorological Department. Don’t spread false information!”

They also shared the IMD update as “proof“. It seemed as if they wanted to prove that water logging would not be possible with just 6cm of rain.

This was when Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin unknowingly fact-checked their own FCU. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Since yesterday, around 5cm average rainfall has been recorded in Chennai in the last 24 hours. Things are very much under control. Highest rainfall has been recorded at Sholinganallur and Teynampet areas – around 6cm and the lowest in Tondaiarpet – around 2.8cm—no power cut was encountered in any areas in Chennai. Tree falling has been reported in around 8 areas and the team is already on duty to clear it. All the trees will be cleared in approximately 1-1.5 hours after the rain has stopped. 26 teams from NDRF and SDRF have been readily positioned in Chennai and all the coastal areas. Out of 22 subways in Chennai, 2 subways have been flooded and traffic has been closed. The pumping motors are ready and the draining will be done as soon as the rain settles for at least 30-45 minutes. Water stagnation has been reported in 300 locations and pumping work is in progress. Apart from all the above, calls received in the call centre are also being regularly attended by the GCC control centre. Around 1500 calls have been attended to and received since yesterday. Solution has been given for 600 of those calls by GCC. TN special health camp for rainy season has been started in 1000 locations all over TN and around 100 health camps have been started in Chennai alone by the concerned department.”

The claim made by the FCU did not match Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statement because they were focusing on the individual rainfall measurements instead of the average rainfall that Dr Ramadoss had mentioned.

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Kanyakumari District All Minority Federation Praises AIADMK For Dismissal Of MLA Thalavai Sundaram Over RSS Rally Participation

By
The Commune
-
Kanyakumari District All Minority Federation Praises AIADMK For Dismissal Of MLA Thalavai Sundaram Over RSS Rally Participation

In a surprising turn of events, the Kanyakumari District All Minority Federation (KKMF) has commended the AIADMK and its General Secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, for removing MLA and senior member Thalavai N. Sundaram from all party positions. This action was taken due to Sundaram’s participation in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) rally, which he flagged off in Kanyakumari last week.

KKMF, led by General Secretary A Meeran Mydeen, expressed their support through a special appreciation letter, passing a resolution favoring the AIADMK decision to dismiss Sundaram from his roles as organizing secretary and Kanyakumari East district secretary on 12 October 2024.

The letter states that the participation of AIADMK’s Kanyakumari MLA and East District Secretary in the RSS rally, which he flagged off, has hurt the sentiments of the minority community. It praises General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for recognizing these sentiments and making the bold decision to remove Thalavai N. Sundaram from all party positions. The Kanyakumari District All Minority Federation welcomes this military-like discipline within the party and expresses heartfelt gratitude through a resolution and an appreciation letter sent to EPS to showcase their support.

 

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“Don’t Get Worried About People Branding You”: D-Stock Anchor Buttresses D-Stock Weatherman Buttressing DMK Govt While Disparaging IMD

By
The Commune
-

As usual, when the ruling DMK government’s incompetence in administration becomes evident in Tamil Nadu, proponents of Dravidian ideology emerge like mushrooms, rallying around the DMK with the support of Tamil news media. One such figure is Pradeep John, known as Tamil Nadu Weatherman, a private weather reporter who favoured the DMK during the 2023 Michaung Cyclone.

He has now been mobilized again to present data that buttresses the DMK government over its inefficiency. Alongside him, Dravidianist journalist Karthigaichelvan S is also positioned to serve this agenda, further amplifying their narrative.

When there is a qualified weatherman like Dr. S. Balachandran, head of the RMC Chennai and a scientist from the IMD, the DMK often opts for Dravidian weather blogger Pradeep John, over established scientists.

In the interview on a private Tamil news channel, Dravidian journalist Karthigaichelvan aimed to showcase Pradeep John and his team’s predictions as accurate. His questioning technique and hints at specific answers indicated a calculated approach throughout the discussion. For instance, he asked how they accessed their data, then paused briefly before emphasizing that their predictions had indeed been proven correct, so that they may answer to that accordingly.

Later establishing narrative for some time about their background as significant predictors, Karthigaichelvan shifted to direct accusations against the IMD. He questioned when the IMD could fail how Pradeep John and his team managed to make accurate predictions. Karthigaichelvan remarked, “As far as I can see there is a lot of negativity in the digital world but in that you all have relatively positive response and I think people like you to that extent.” He then questioned another weatherman, Srikanth, asking, “Everyone has a view that how can private weatherman predict exactly. How is that possible, when you are also taking the data from IMD and predict, when they (IMD) can’t?”

In response, Srikanth explained that when data is provided in a generic form, it can lead to inaccuracies. He stated that the IMD needs to offer comprehensive data for all of Tamil Nadu, rather than just general information. He emphasized that there are many factors to consider. He added that while he or Pradeep might rely on intuition, the government cannot afford to use intuition at an official level.

During the interview, Pradeep also echoed the DMK’s narrative regarding the recent tragedy at the IAF Marina Air Show, attributing the loss of lives to humidity. This indirectly downplayed the acknowledged inefficiencies and mismanagement by the event organizers.

Later, Pradeep John addressed the perception that he was favoring the ruling government, clarifying that his focus was solely on serving the citizens, not supporting any political party. Karthigaichelvan reinforced this, stating that such branding is intended to undermine their work, urging Pradeep to disregard these claims and continue his efforts. Pradeep John said, “This has severe political sensitivity. If we post a comment like this, the branding that comes with it is very difficult. (They say) he is favoring them, for that government, but it is not like that. Our idea is whoever comes to power, we should work closely with them, benefit the people, and give as much as possible.”

When Pradeep attempted to clarify that they did not undermine the IMD, Karthigaichelvan quickly interrupted,  complimenting his work as the testament will contradict their agenda, opined, “Generally, branding is an attempt to curtail your activities so you don’t have to worry about it. There is big branding for you among people.”

Finally, before concluding, Karthigaichelvan, expressing his disdain for India’s premier institution, the IMD, posed a narrative question to ridicule it while praising American institutions. He questioned why, if Americans can accurately predict the weather using the same sites and data, India struggles with its predictions. In response, Srikanth explained that Indian models are improving and are on the right track, even though there are currently some errors due to reliance on external data thereby effectively countering the Dravidian journalist’s claims.

From the start to the end of the interview, it was clear that the entire discussion was scripted in advance. Whenever Pradeep John misspoke, Karthigaichelvan strategically intervened to change the topic or redirect attention to his team member, Srikanth. However, what were Pradeep John’s actual predictions like?

Weather Blogger Pradeep John’s Fudged Data During 2023 Floods

During the Michaung Cyclone that caused significant devastation to residents of Chennai, leading to widespread flooding across the city, the private weather blogger Pradeep John appeared at a press meeting with DMK ministers, where he manipulated the 36-hour rainfall data by comparing it to 24-hour data, claiming that the current administration is performing better. It’s important to note that Pradeep rose to prominence during the 2015 floods.

What Was The Reality Like?

In reality, the city was inundated like no other. Areas that had never been flooded even during the 2015 floods like Annanagar, Madambakkam etc which do not flood during the monsoon season, were all inundated and water had entered most of the ground floor homes by 4 December 2023. Kollywood actor Vishal who took to social media platform X shared his plight from his Annanagar home. He said, “During such rains, we all know what will happen and is happening. First they switch off the power, then waterlogging starts on the streets and then it enters homes. I am in Annanagar and water has entered my home. If this is the state of Annanagar, then imagine how it will be in low-lying areas. In 2015, we were able to help others as much as possible, but after 8 years, the situation is even worse. They announced a stormwater drain project, I am not able to find anything related to that – when was it started, when did they finish it, I have no idea. This is a request as a voter in the state, all MLAs from Chennai, please come out of your homes and have a look at the city and do whatever your constituency needs. This is not a political remark, this is a remark against the waterlogging problem. Even for a small rain, water gets logged in T Nagar but this time the entire city is waterlogged and it is a disgusting and embarrassing situation we are in. Please take immediate measures for resolving this.”

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Manipur Conflict: MLAs Of Meitei, Kuki, Naga Meet In Delhi To Find Solutions

By
The Commune
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The all-important meeting to find a way out to resolve the over 17-month-long ethnic strife in Manipur was held in New Delhi on Tuesday, sources said. Sources said that Ministers and MLAs belonging to the Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities attended the meeting called by the Intelligence Bureau under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

“Several rounds of meetings between the MHA officials and the elected representatives, civil societies and NGOs would be held in the upcoming weeks to find out a lasting solution to the ethnic crisis in Manipur,” the sources said. After around a four-hour-long meeting, neither the officials nor the Ministers and MLAs talked to the media to disclose the outcome of the meeting. Manipur Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, MLA Thongam Biswajit, belonging to the Meitei community, and representatives from the Kuki community — Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen, both ministers — attended the meeting. MLAs Ram Muviah, Awangbow Newmai and L. Dikho attended the meeting from the Naga community.

However, a highly placed source told IANS that several Ministers and legislators from the three communities — Meitei, Kuki and Naga — attended the meeting and raised their demands and viewpoints over the ethnic riot. An MLA, belonging to the Kuki community, on condition of anonymity said that they would discuss the matters of Tuesday’s meeting with their community leaders and functionaries then they would disclose their next course of action. “Because the meeting was called by the Central government, that’s why they attended the meeting. We do not have any faith in the Manipur state government,” the legislator told IANS over the phone from New Delhi.

He said that MHA’s advisor, North East Affairs, A. K. Mishra and other senior officials were present at the meeting. Tuesday’s meeting was the first deliberations convened by the government after the ethnic conflict broke out between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur on May 3 last year. The vital meeting was held on Tuesday after Home Minister Amit Shah last month indicated to resolve the ethnic imbroglio in Manipur through discussions between the Meiteis and Kukis. On June 17, the Home Minister during a review meeting on the law and order situation in Manipur gave similar indications. Meanwhile, 10 MLAs, including seven BJP legislators, and several Kuki-Zo organisations including Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) since the ethnic violence started in Manipur in May last year, have been demanding separate administrations or a Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur.

The 10 legislators included Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen, who are ministers in Chief Minister N. Biren Singh-led 12-member ministry in Manipur. The state and the Central governments have on a number of occasions rejected the demand for separate administrations or a Union Territory. The ethnic violence between the non-tribals Meiteis and tribal Kuki-Zo broke out in the northeastern state on May 3 last year after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

So far, over 230 people have been killed in the strife. As many as 11,133 houses have been set on fire, out of which 4,569 homes have been completely destroyed. A total of 11,892 cases have been registered in different police stations in connection with the ethnic violence. The state government has established 302 relief camps to provide shelter to 59,414 internally displaced persons.

–IANS

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After CPI(M) Leader’s Remarks At Public Event, Kannur ADM Found Hanging At Residence

By
The Commune
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Kerala ADM Suicide: Court Adjourns CPI-M Leader’s Anticipatory Bail Plea Till Oct 29

In a tragic incident, Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu was on Tuesday found hanging at his residence near here. Babu was found dead in the morning even as his wife was waiting for him at the Chengannur railway station. He had seven more months to retire and had been transferred to his home district Pathanamthitta. Babu, according to people, was deeply hurt when at his send-off function held here on Monday afternoon, a top CPI(M) leader PP Divya, the Kannur district panchayat president had made some impolite remarks against him.

Divya had not been invited to the function and had barged in. She said that a person had approached her to speak to Babu with regards to the sanctioning of a petrol pump station despite several requests, which he had not been giving. But, just two days before his retirement, Babu gave the sanction, she alleged, adding that she knows how the sanction was given and will be revealed in two days. After saying this, the uninvited Divya left the venue. After his wife found out that Babu had not boarded the train she made attempts to reach her husband and it was then the news surfaced that Babu had committed suicide by hanging to death at his residence in Kannur.

Meanwhile, the Congress party was protesting near the house of the deceased. “We do not believe or have trust in the police. We demand that the inquest should be prepared in the presence of clean officers. We do not want to have people like Divya to be part of the team when the police make the report,” said Kannur district Congress president Martin George, who added that Divya should be charged for the death of Babu. An uncle of Babu, who identified himself as a local CPI(M) official in Pathanamthitta said Babu is known for his clean public life and good track record.

State BJP president K.Surendran said the need of the hour is for Divya to quit her post and face a probe. “The entire episode happened in the presence of the Kannur district collector and the police should take a statement from the collector. The police should probe the role of Divya,” said Surendran.

–IANS

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India To Make Digital Connectivity Affordable For Emerging Economies: Piyush Goyal

By
The Commune
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India To Make Digital Connectivity Affordable For Emerging Economies: Piyush Goyal

India has a key role to play in making technology available in the Global South and in leading the world in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to make digital connectivity affordable across the globe, Union Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) 2024 and the eighth edition of ‘India Mobile Congress’ in the national capital, the minister said India is all set to become a provider of telecom services and domestic companies will become providers of high security and quality technological equipment to emerging economies. The ITU-WTSA is being hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific for the first time. The global event has brought together more than 3,000 industry leaders, policy makers and tech experts from over 190 countries.

According to the Commerce Minister, India’s stable network connectivity across rural and urban areas is an achievement of the flagship ‘Digital India’ campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. Highlighting PM Modi’s foresight of using technology as an enabler for good governance, for providing business opportunities and as an enabler to expand the country’s economic activities, Goyal said the country today thinks as one nation. “When countries work with India, they are assured of high quality, affordability and cost-effective solutions and are assured of uninterrupted business activities allowing companies to look up to India for their global capability centres (GCCs),” said the minister.

The entire ecosystem of digitalisation involving machine learning, artificial intelligence and data analytics has its imprint in India. “India is recognised for its innovation, talent and the large market it provides. Innovation defines the India growth story and the world recognises India as a leader in democratising technology for the deprived and the whole world,” said Minister Goyal. The minister also praised the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC) for instilling confidence in making India self-reliant in technological achievements.

–IANS

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India’s Inland Waterways Transport Offers Robust Growth Opportunities Via PPPs

By
The Commune
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The Indian inland waterways transport (IWT) sector presents significant opportunities for growth through public-private partnerships (PPPs), and the government is eyeing expansion of the PPP model to drive development, according to a report on Tuesday.

The focus on expanding PPPs and offering financial incentives, such as discounts up to 35 per cent on freight transported via key national waterways (NW), aims to further attract private sector participation, according to the report by Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics. A subsidy scheme is being formulated for NW-1, NW-2 and NW-16, which traverse key states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Assam, to promote the use of inland waterways for freight transport, the report mentioned. Since the government’s strategic shift in 2016, operational waterways have increased from just three in fiscal 2014 to 26 by fiscal 2024, driven by substantial budgetary support and key initiatives like the Jal Marg Vikas Project.

Launched in 2018 with a financial outlay of Rs 5,369.18 crore, the project aims to enhance the capacity of National Waterway 1 (NW), spanning 1,390 km along the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system. “India’s inland waterways are witnessing significant revitalization driven by targeted investments and policy reforms. The cost advantage is clearly benefiting this mode of transportation, transporting 1 tonne of freight by waterways is approximately Rs 1.06 per km, notably less than Rs 1.36 per km by rail and Rs 2.50 per km by road,” the report argued. The resurgence in the sector has resulted in a marked increase in cargo volumes, surging from 18.1 million tonnes in fiscal 2014 to 132.9 million tonnes in fiscal 2024, with the government setting ambitious targets of 200 million tonnes by fiscal 2030 and 500 million tonnes by fiscal 2047.

Digital innovations have played a key role in improving efficiency in the IWT sector. Platforms such as the IWAI Vessel Tracker, PANI Portal and Car-D Portal provide real-time navigation information, updates on cargo tracking, and efficient management of cargo and passenger data. Water transport also produces lower emissions, less noise and consumes less energy, making it an environmentally-friendly alternative to the traditional road and rail transport. Waterways are suitable for moving bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand and minerals.

–IANS

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