2026

Latest News

Pulse Polio Drive

The Kallakurichi District Administration successfully launched its Pulse Polio Immunisation Campaign, reaffirming its commitment to protecting every child from the threat of poliomyelitis and ensuring complete immunisation coverage across the district. The large-scale public health initiative was inaugurated by local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) along with senior officials from the Health Department, who flagged off the campaign and appealed to parents to ensure that every eligible child receives the life-saving oral polio vaccine. To ensure maximum coverage, the district established 1,007 Pulse Polio Immunisation Centres at strategic locations, including government hospitals, primary health centres, schools, Anganwadi centres, community halls, and other public institutions. These centres were staffed by trained healthcare workers, nurses, volunteers, and field-level health personnel who worked together to administer the oral polio vaccine safely and efficiently. Recognising the need to reach children in difficult-to-access locations, the administration also deployed 29 mobile transit teams. These special teams travelled to remote villages, temporary settlements, construction sites, public squares, bus stands, railway stations, marketplaces, and other transit points to ensure that no eligible child was left out of the campaign. The mobile teams played a crucial role in reaching migrant families, travellers, and children living in isolated areas who might otherwise miss the vaccination drive. Health officials emphasized that the Pulse Polio Programme remains one of India’s most successful public health initiatives. Although India has been declared polio-free, maintaining high immunisation coverage through regular Pulse Polio campaigns is essential to prevent the re-emergence of the disease and protect future generations. Parents were reminded that even children who have previously received routine vaccinations should continue to receive Pulse Polio drops whenever the campaign is conducted, as each dose strengthens their immunity against the virus. The campaign witnessed enthusiastic participation from healthcare professionals, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi workers, volunteers, teachers, and local community leaders. Awareness programmes were conducted across the district to educate families about the importance of immunisation and encourage them to visit the nearest vaccination centre. Public announcements, banners, posters, and community outreach activities helped spread awareness and ensure a strong public response. District officials continuously monitored the progress of the campaign through field inspections and real-time reporting mechanisms to ensure smooth operations at all vaccination centres. Medical teams were provided with the necessary logistical support, vaccine storage facilities, transportation, and safety equipment to maintain the quality and effectiveness of the immunisation programme. The successful launch of the Pulse Polio campaign reflects the district administration’s dedication to strengthening preventive healthcare services and safeguarding children’s health. By combining extensive planning, widespread community participation, and efficient healthcare delivery, the initiative aims to achieve complete vaccination coverage and maintain Kallakurichi’s contribution to India’s continued polio-free status. Health authorities have urged all parents and guardians to cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure that every child below the eligible age receives the oral polio vaccine. The campaign stands as a testament to the collective efforts of healthcare workers, government officials, and the community in building a healthier and disease-free future for every child in the district.

Latest News

Periyar Falls Tourism Restriction

Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds lashed the Kalvarayan Hills, bringing a significant increase in water flow at the scenic Periyar Waterfalls, one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions. While the rains transformed the waterfall into a spectacular natural sight, the sudden surge in water volume also created hazardous conditions, prompting the Forest Department to impose temporary restrictions on tourist activities. Officials reported that continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas caused the waterfall to swell rapidly, resulting in a powerful current and heavily muddy water carrying silt, debris, and tree branches downstream. Although the increased flow enhanced the beauty of the falls, it also made bathing and entering the water extremely dangerous for visitors. As a precautionary measure, the Forest Department temporarily prohibited tourists from bathing in the waterfall until water conditions improve. Safety barricades were erected near the cascade, and forest personnel were deployed to prevent visitors from entering restricted areas. Authorities stated that the decision was taken solely to safeguard public safety and to avoid accidents that could arise from the unpredictable flow of water. Despite the bathing restriction, visitors were permitted to enjoy the scenic beauty of the waterfall from designated safe viewing points while following instructions issued by forest officials. Tourists were advised not to cross safety barriers, avoid venturing into fast-flowing streams, and exercise caution while walking on slippery rocks and pathways made wet by continuous rainfall. The recent rains have also rejuvenated the lush forests of the Kalvarayan Hills, filling streams, waterfalls, and reservoirs across the region. The pleasant weather has attracted nature lovers and photographers eager to witness the hills in their monsoon glory. However, officials have reminded visitors that weather conditions in hilly areas can change rapidly, making it essential to follow all safety advisories during the rainy season. Forest Department officials are closely monitoring rainfall levels and water conditions at Periyar Waterfalls. The temporary restriction on bathing will remain in effect until the water becomes clear and the flow returns to safe levels. Authorities have assured the public that tourist access to the waterfall will be fully restored once conditions are assessed to be safe. Local tourism stakeholders have supported the precautionary measures, emphasizing that visitor safety must take priority over recreational activities. They noted that temporary restrictions during periods of heavy rainfall are a common practice to prevent accidents and ensure a safe experience for all tourists. The incident serves as an important reminder for visitors to respect safety regulations while exploring natural attractions, particularly during the monsoon season. By following official guidelines and cooperating with forest authorities, tourists can help ensure both their own safety and the preservation of the fragile ecosystem of the Kalvarayan Hills and Periyar Waterfalls.

Latest News

Police Help Desk Demand

Residents, daily commuters, and motorists have urged the local police department to reopen the police help center near the Emappair roundabout, citing increasing traffic congestion and the growing need for a permanent police presence at one of the busiest junctions in the district. The appeal comes as vehicle movement along the Emappair bypass has increased significantly, particularly with heavy traffic entering from the Chinnasalem route. The Emappair roundabout serves as a crucial intersection connecting several important roads used by private vehicles, buses, commercial trucks, and two-wheelers throughout the day. Over the past few months, the volume of traffic has risen considerably due to rapid urban development, increasing commercial activities, and a growing number of vehicles using the bypass as an alternative route. During peak morning and evening hours, long queues of vehicles are frequently seen, causing delays for commuters and increasing the risk of accidents. Local residents believe that the earlier functioning police help center played an important role in regulating traffic, responding quickly to emergencies, and assisting stranded motorists. Since its closure, they say traffic management has become more challenging, especially during rush hours, festival seasons, weekends, and adverse weather conditions when congestion becomes more severe. Commuters have also expressed concerns about road safety at the busy junction. They point out that the absence of a permanent police presence often results in traffic rule violations, including wrong-side driving, illegal parking, signal violations, and unsafe overtaking. Many believe that reopening the help center would improve discipline among road users and help reduce the number of accidents at the intersection. Business owners and shopkeepers located near the roundabout have also supported the demand, stating that heavy traffic congestion affects customers, delivery vehicles, and overall business operations. They have requested authorities to deploy additional traffic personnel during peak hours until the help center becomes operational again. Residents have further suggested that the reopened police help center could function as a multi-purpose public assistance facility by providing emergency support, traffic regulation, accident response, lost-and-found services, and guidance for travellers. They believe such a facility would significantly improve public safety while ensuring smoother traffic flow at this important junction. Traffic experts note that with the continuous growth in vehicle numbers across the district, strengthening traffic management infrastructure has become increasingly important. Establishing a permanent police presence at high-traffic intersections can help minimize congestion, improve emergency response times, and enhance overall road safety. The public has appealed to district authorities and the police department to consider reopening the Emappair police help center at the earliest. Residents are hopeful that the move will ease traffic congestion, improve law enforcement, provide quicker assistance during emergencies, and create a safer travel environment for thousands of commuters who pass through the Emappair bypass every day.

Latest News

Fatal National Highway Accident

A tragic road accident on the Chennai–Trichy National Highway claimed the lives of three members of a family from Ramanathapuram and left three others seriously injured after their car crashed into an advertising signboard pole near Sengurichi in the early hours of Sunday. The devastating incident has once again highlighted the importance of road safety and cautious driving during long-distance journeys. According to preliminary reports, the family was returning to Ramanathapuram after dropping off a relative at Chennai Airport. After completing the airport visit, they began their overnight journey home. While travelling along the national highway near Sengurichi, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and collide with a roadside advertising signboard pole. The impact of the collision was severe, leaving the front portion of the vehicle extensively damaged. Three occupants died on the spot due to the force of the crash, while three other family members sustained serious injuries. Passers-by and local residents immediately alerted emergency services, and police personnel along with ambulance teams rushed to the accident site. The injured victims were rescued from the damaged vehicle and shifted to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment. Police officials secured the accident scene, regulated traffic on the busy national highway, and conducted a preliminary investigation to determine the cause of the collision. The bodies of the deceased were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination before being handed over to their relatives. A case has been registered, and further investigations are underway to examine factors such as driver fatigue, vehicle speed, road conditions, and other possible causes that may have contributed to the accident. The tragedy has deeply saddened both the victims’ native community in Ramanathapuram and residents of the surrounding areas. Family members, relatives, and friends expressed grief over the sudden loss of their loved ones, while local authorities conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family. Road safety experts note that long-distance travel during the early morning hours can increase the risk of accidents due to fatigue, reduced visibility, and decreased driver alertness. They advise motorists to take adequate rest during extended journeys, follow speed limits, wear seat belts, and avoid driving when tired. The incident serves as a painful reminder of the need for greater awareness about highway safety and responsible driving practices. Authorities continue to urge motorists to remain vigilant, adhere to traffic regulations, and prioritize safety to help prevent similar tragedies on India’s national highways.

Sports

Champions Premier League (CPL) Season 3

The Champions Premier League (CPL) Season 3 is set to become one of the biggest grassroots T20 cricket tournaments in the region, offering aspiring cricketers an excellent platform to showcase their talent and compete against some of the finest local teams. With registrations now officially open, the tournament has already generated significant excitement among players, clubs, and cricket enthusiasts across multiple districts. Organized to promote competitive cricket at the grassroots level, the tournament welcomes teams from Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Cuddalore, creating a strong inter-district sporting environment. Interested teams can complete their registrations at the Mottu Kolli Ground, which serves as the official registration and tournament coordination center. The competition is expected to attract a large number of teams, making Season 3 one of the most competitive editions of the league. One of the major highlights of this year’s tournament is its impressive ₹4,00,000 total prize pool, reflecting the growing popularity and professionalism of the league. The champion team will receive a grand cash prize of ₹1,50,000, while attractive rewards and recognition will also be presented to the runners-up, semi-finalists, and outstanding individual performers. Awards such as Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Player of the Tournament, Best Wicketkeeper, Emerging Player, and Best Fielder are expected to encourage participants to perform at their highest level throughout the competition. The CPL follows the exciting Twenty20 (T20) format, known for its fast-paced action, aggressive batting, strategic bowling, athletic fielding, and thrilling finishes. Every match promises intense competition, allowing players to experience pressure situations similar to professional T20 leagues. The tournament provides valuable exposure to young cricketers while helping them improve their match awareness, leadership qualities, teamwork, and decision-making abilities. For many aspiring players, the Champions Premier League serves as an important stepping stone toward higher levels of competitive cricket. Scouts, coaches, and cricket academies often monitor such tournaments to identify promising talent for district and club-level opportunities. Strong performances in CPL can open doors to advanced coaching programs, district team selections, and participation in larger state-level competitions. The tournament is also expected to bring together cricket lovers from across the region, creating a vibrant sporting atmosphere at the venue. Families, students, local supporters, and sports enthusiasts are likely to witness exciting contests featuring emerging players eager to make their mark. Such events not only promote healthy competition but also strengthen community engagement through sport. Beyond the cricket field, the Champions Premier League contributes to the overall development of grassroots sports by encouraging youth participation, promoting physical fitness, and fostering values such as discipline, sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork. It also provides local businesses, sponsors, and community organizations with an opportunity to support sports development while increasing the visibility of cricket within the region. The growing scale of the tournament demonstrates the increasing passion for cricket in districts like Kallakurichi and its neighboring regions. With improved sports infrastructure, better coaching facilities, and greater community support, local cricketers now have more opportunities than ever before to pursue their dreams and compete at higher levels. As registrations continue, excitement is building for another memorable season of the Champions Premier League. With talented teams, competitive matches, substantial prize money, and enthusiastic fan support, CPL Season 3 is expected to deliver thrilling cricket while providing a valuable platform for discovering the next generation of cricket stars from Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Cuddalore. The tournament promises to celebrate the spirit of the game while strengthening the region’s reputation as a growing hub for grassroots cricket development.

Sports

8-Year-Old Chess Prodigy

Kallakurichi earned international recognition in the world of chess when 8-year-old Tamizh Amudhan, one of the district’s most promising young players, achieved a remarkable victory by defeating World No. 7 Vincent Keymer in an online chess tournament. The stunning result attracted attention from chess enthusiasts across India and around the world, highlighting the extraordinary talent emerging from Kallakurichi and placing the district firmly on the global chess map. At an age when most children are just beginning to learn the basics of the game, Tamizh Amudhan has already demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking, concentration, and maturity. His victory over one of the world’s highest-ranked grandmasters is considered an extraordinary achievement and reflects years of disciplined practice, determination, and expert guidance. Amudhan trains under the renowned Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna, one of India’s respected chess coaches who has mentored several talented young players. Under his systematic coaching, Amudhan has developed a deep understanding of chess openings, tactical combinations, positional play, endgame techniques, and time management. His training emphasizes not only technical excellence but also mental resilience, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. The victory was made even more impressive because it was achieved during an online tournament, where maintaining focus for long periods can be especially challenging. Despite the pressures of competing against a world-class opponent and adapting to the fast-paced nature of online chess, the young player displayed remarkable confidence and composure throughout the game. His accurate calculations, tactical awareness, and fearless approach enabled him to outplay a vastly more experienced opponent, earning widespread praise from the global chess community. The achievement has become a source of immense pride for the people of Kallakurichi. Parents, teachers, coaches, sports officials, and chess enthusiasts have celebrated the young champion’s success as an inspiration for aspiring players across the district. His accomplishment demonstrates that talent from smaller towns and rural regions can compete successfully on the international stage when provided with quality coaching, family support, and access to modern learning opportunities. Tamizh Amudhan’s success also reflects the growing popularity of chess in Tamil Nadu, a state that has produced numerous international grandmasters and hosts several prestigious chess tournaments every year. The widespread availability of online coaching platforms, digital tournaments, and advanced training tools has enabled young players from districts like Kallakurichi to compete with some of the strongest players in the world without geographical barriers. Educationists and sports administrators believe that achievements like Amudhan’s will encourage more schools to establish chess clubs and provide structured coaching for students. Chess has long been recognized as a sport that enhances logical reasoning, analytical thinking, concentration, patience, creativity, and decision-making skills. As a result, many educational institutions in the district are increasingly promoting chess alongside academics to support the overall intellectual development of students. The young prodigy’s remarkable victory has inspired hundreds of children across Kallakurichi to take up chess seriously. Local chess academies have reported increased interest from parents seeking professional coaching for their children, while district-level tournaments continue to witness growing participation. This surge in enthusiasm is expected to strengthen the district’s chess ecosystem and create opportunities for more talented players to emerge in the coming years. Sports experts believe that Tamizh Amudhan has the potential to achieve even greater milestones if he continues to receive consistent coaching, tournament exposure, and institutional support. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that age is never a barrier to excellence and that dedication, discipline, and perseverance can lead to extraordinary success. As Kallakurichi continues to invest in youth sports and intellectual development, Tamizh Amudhan’s achievement stands as a symbol of the district’s growing sporting excellence. His historic victory over a world-class grandmaster not only brought international recognition to Kallakurichi but also inspired a new generation of young minds to dream big, work hard, and believe that they too can compete successfully on the global stage.

Sports

District Representation

The selection of S. Geethasri, a Grade IX student of SSK International School, to represent the District Cricket Association of Kallakurichi is a proud achievement for both the district and the school community. Her inclusion in the district team highlights the growing standard of cricket in Kallakurichi and reflects the success of grassroots sports development initiatives aimed at nurturing young talent. After consistently performing in school-level and district-level cricket competitions, Geethasri earned a place in the district squad through her dedication, disciplined training, and impressive performances on the field. Her selection is a testament to her hard work, determination, and passion for the sport. It also showcases the importance of providing young athletes with opportunities to compete at higher levels and gain valuable match experience. Representing the District Cricket Association of Kallakurichi, Geethasri participated in the prestigious Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) matches, where she competed against some of the most talented young cricketers from across the state. The tournament provided her with an opportunity to display her cricketing abilities, improve her skills, and learn from experienced coaches and players. Competing in TNCA tournaments is considered an important stepping stone for young cricketers aspiring to progress to state and national-level competitions. Her achievement has brought immense pride to SSK International School, whose management, teachers, and coaches have consistently encouraged students to excel in both academics and sports. The school has played a significant role in identifying and nurturing sporting talent by providing structured coaching, regular practice sessions, and opportunities to participate in competitive tournaments. Geethasri’s success reflects the effectiveness of these efforts and demonstrates how educational institutions can contribute to the holistic development of students. Beyond her personal accomplishment, Geethasri’s selection serves as an inspiration for many young girls in Kallakurichi who dream of pursuing careers in sports. Women’s cricket has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with increasing participation, improved infrastructure, and greater recognition at national and international levels. Achievements like hers encourage more girls to take up cricket, breaking traditional barriers and promoting gender equality in sports. Sports officials and cricket enthusiasts have praised her dedication and commitment, expressing confidence that she has the potential to achieve even greater milestones in the future. Her journey demonstrates that with determination, quality coaching, and consistent effort, talented athletes from smaller districts can compete successfully on larger platforms. As Kallakurichi continues to invest in sports infrastructure, coaching facilities, and talent development programs, success stories like that of S. Geethasri reinforce the district’s growing reputation as an emerging center for cricket. Her accomplishment not only brings recognition to the district but also motivates the next generation of aspiring cricketers to pursue excellence with confidence and perseverance.

Sports

Cricket Academy Expansion

The launch of the Super Kings Academy in Kallakurichi marks a significant milestone in the district’s sporting journey, bringing professional cricket coaching and world-class training methodologies closer to aspiring young cricketers. For many years, talented players from Kallakurichi had to travel to larger cities such as Chennai, Salem, or Coimbatore to receive advanced coaching and exposure. The establishment of this academy has changed that landscape by creating a high-quality training center within the district, enabling local youth to pursue their cricketing ambitions without relocating. The academy has been designed to nurture players across different age groups, from beginners taking their first steps into the sport to experienced cricketers looking to compete at the district, state, and national levels. Certified coaches provide structured coaching programs that focus on batting, bowling, wicketkeeping, fielding, physical conditioning, mental strength, and tactical awareness. Training sessions are conducted using modern coaching techniques that emphasize both technical excellence and match awareness. One of the academy’s most notable initiatives is the introduction of specialized T20 training camps. Recognizing the rapid evolution of cricket toward shorter formats, these camps aim to help players transition smoothly from traditional red-ball cricket to the fast-paced demands of Twenty20 cricket. Participants receive specialized coaching on power hitting, innovative stroke play, death-over batting, yorker bowling, slower deliveries, field placement strategies, pressure management, and quick decision-making—skills that are essential in today’s competitive cricket environment. The T20 camps also expose young cricketers to modern match simulations, helping them understand game situations such as chasing challenging targets, defending low scores, rotating strike effectively, and maintaining composure during high-pressure moments. Coaches use video analysis and performance reviews to identify strengths and areas for improvement, allowing players to develop a professional approach to the game from an early age. Apart from technical coaching, the academy places strong emphasis on fitness and sports science. Players undergo endurance training, agility drills, strength conditioning, flexibility exercises, injury prevention programs, and nutritional guidance to ensure they remain physically prepared throughout long cricket seasons. Mental conditioning sessions further help players build confidence, concentration, discipline, and resilience—qualities that are equally important for success on the field. The arrival of the Super Kings Academy has generated tremendous enthusiasm among students, parents, schools, and cricket enthusiasts across Kallakurichi district. Local tournaments have witnessed increased participation, with many schools encouraging students to take up cricket as a serious sport. Young players now have the opportunity to train under experienced coaches while gaining exposure to professional coaching standards associated with one of India’s most successful cricket franchises. The academy also serves as a talent identification center, providing promising cricketers with opportunities to participate in district leagues, inter-academy tournaments, and selection camps. Exceptional performers may receive pathways to higher-level competitions, helping bridge the gap between grassroots cricket and professional opportunities. Sports administrators believe that the academy will contribute significantly to the overall development of cricket in the district by creating a sustainable pipeline of talented players. As participation continues to grow, Kallakurichi is expected to emerge as an important center for cricket development in Tamil Nadu, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue excellence while promoting healthy lifestyles, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. With modern facilities, expert coaching, and a vision focused on long-term player development, the Super Kings Academy represents more than just a training center—it symbolizes a new era for cricket in Kallakurichi. The academy is expected to play a crucial role in discovering future stars who can proudly represent the district, the state, and eventually the nation on larger cricketing platforms.

Sports

Infrastructure Progress

The District Collector recently inspected the ongoing construction of the new District Sports Ground, reviewing the progress of the project and directing officials to ensure timely completion with quality standards. Once completed, the modern sports facility is expected to serve as a major training and competition hub for athletes across the district, promoting sports development and youth participation. In another milestone for local sports infrastructure, Chinna Salem has inaugurated its first eco-friendly artificial turf facility, providing athletes and sports enthusiasts with a high-quality venue for year-round training and recreational activities. These initiatives reflect the district’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and encouraging a healthier, more active community.

Crime

Hooch Tragedy Repercussions

The aftermath of the 2024 illicit liquor tragedy continues to affect the Malayali tribal community in the Kalvarayan Hills, with many residents facing social stigma and increased police surveillance. Community members have expressed concerns that frequent police raids and strict enforcement measures have disrupted their daily lives and traditional livelihoods, despite many having no connection to illegal liquor activities. While authorities maintain that the operations are aimed at preventing the manufacture and sale of illicit liquor, local residents and community representatives have called for a balanced approach that ensures law enforcement while protecting the rights, dignity, and livelihoods of innocent families.