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As part of its continued efforts to promote a healthy and drug-free society, the Kallakurichi District Administration recently organized the “Start-Run-Stop Drugs” Anti-Drug Awareness Mini-Marathon under the leadership of the District Collector. The event was conducted to create widespread awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and to encourage young people to adopt healthy lifestyles through sports, fitness, and positive community engagement. The mini-marathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, college youth, government officials, police personnel, healthcare workers, teachers, volunteers, members of various social organizations, and the general public. The District Collector formally flagged off the event and urged participants to become ambassadors of the anti-drug movement by spreading awareness within their families, schools, colleges, and local communities. Carrying banners, placards, and awareness messages, participants ran through designated routes, delivering a strong public message against the use of narcotic drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and other addictive substances. The slogan “Start-Run-Stop Drugs” symbolized the importance of choosing fitness and healthy living over addiction while inspiring people to make informed and responsible life choices. Speaking on the occasion, district officials emphasized that substance abuse poses serious health, social, and economic challenges, particularly among young people. Drug addiction can negatively affect education, employment, family relationships, mental health, and overall quality of life. Through awareness programmes such as the marathon, the administration aims to educate citizens about the dangers of addiction while encouraging early prevention and community participation in combating drug abuse. The event also highlighted the important role of physical activity and sports in promoting mental well-being and reducing the likelihood of substance abuse. Regular participation in sports not only improves physical fitness but also instills discipline, confidence, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that help young people make healthier lifestyle choices. Various government departments collaborated to make the programme successful, including the Health Department, Police Department, Education Department, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, and local civic bodies. Volunteers distributed awareness pamphlets, educated participants about the harmful effects of drugs, and encouraged citizens to report illegal drug-related activities to the authorities. Educational institutions across the district actively supported the initiative by encouraging students to participate in the marathon and related awareness activities. Teachers and community leaders stressed the importance of parental guidance, education, and counselling in protecting children and adolescents from falling into the trap of substance abuse. The mini-marathon forms part of the district’s broader anti-drug campaign, which includes awareness rallies, school and college seminars, counselling programmes, community outreach initiatives, and law enforcement measures aimed at preventing the distribution and misuse of narcotic substances. Officials reiterated their commitment to creating a safer environment by combining public awareness with strict action against illegal drug trafficking. The successful organization of the “Start-Run-Stop Drugs” Mini-Marathon reflects Kallakurichi’s commitment to building a healthier, safer, and addiction-free society. By bringing together government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and the public, the initiative reinforces the message that the fight against substance abuse requires collective responsibility and active community participation. Through continued awareness efforts and public cooperation, the district aims to empower its youth to lead healthy, productive, and drug-free lives.

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.

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.

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.

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.