Tamil Nadu Gears Up for Possible Strong El Niño With Dedicated Expert Panel

Anticipating the possible impact of a strong El Nino weather phenomenon later this year, the Tamil Nadu government has constituted an Expert Advisory Committee to scientifically assess the risks and recommend preparedness and mitigation measures to minimise the impact of extreme weather events across the state.

According to a Government Order issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department on July 28, the committee has been formed to monitor evolving climatic conditions, evaluate the likely effects of El Nino, and provide expert guidance to the government on disaster preparedness.

The panel will remain functional during financial years 2026-27 and 2027-28.

The committee has been entrusted with assessing the potential impact of El Nino on rainfall patterns, drought conditions, and other climate-related risks in Tamil Nadu. It will identify vulnerable regions, continuously monitor rainfall and drought scenarios, and recommend appropriate precautionary measures based on scientific assessment.

The expert body will also advise the Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency on strengthening early warning systems and improving preparedness for weather-related disasters.

In addition, it will recommend drought and flood mitigation strategies for vulnerable districts to ensure that government departments are equipped to respond effectively to changing climatic conditions.

The government has appointed the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration as the chairperson of the committee, which brings together leading experts from climate science, hydrology, disaster management, environmental planning and urban resilience. The members include S. Kanmani, Head of the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management at Anna University; Prof. Balaji Narasimhan of the Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering Laboratory, IIT Madras; M. Arivudai Nambi Appadurai, Director of Climate Resilience Practice at WRI India and a member of the Tamil Nadu Governing Council on Climate Change; Ramesh Ramachandran, Advisor to the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company; R. Venkatesan, Expert Member of the State Environment Appraisal Committee; J.K. Patterson Edward, Director of the Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Thoothukudi; and R. Pradeep John, Senior Manager at Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited.

The constitution of the committee reflects the state government’s focus on scientific planning and climate resilience as Tamil Nadu prepares for the possibility of weather extremes associated with a strong El Nino event, including uneven rainfall, prolonged dry spells and an increased risk of drought or flooding in vulnerable regions.