With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) yesterday announcing the onset of the NE Monsoon over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Chief Minister, who addressed the bureaucrats, urged all the departments to work in unison to avert flooding and save precious human lives.

''Ensure adequate stock of food grains, life saving drugs, antidote for snake bite and medical equipment including oxygen cylinders on hand,'' he advised. The collectors should desilt canals, evict encroachments (on waterways) and facilitate the recharge of ground water besides avert damage due to floods.

Reviewing the State’s preparedness to tackle the monsoon, Stalin asked the officials to keep in mind the safety of the reservoirs and release the surplus water and protect the dams. ''People’s safety and wellbeing is also important. Provide relief to the affected on time. Take precautionary steps to prevent flooding,'' he said.

''If handled properly, nature will be a gift or else it will become a disaster,'' the Chief Minister cautioned and reminded that the IMD has warned of the impending monsoon.

''Nine districts including Kanyakumari, Nilgiris and Erode, have received heavy rains during October …. so, we have to work carefully,'' he said and recalled that he had on September 24, reviewed the preparedness with all department officials and gave detailed instructions.