Tamil Nadu Sets Up Expert Panel to Tackle El Niño Threat
The Tamil Nadu government has constituted an Expert Advisory Committee to monitor and assess the potential impact of a possible strong El Niño weather phenomenon this year, and to advise the government on preparedness and mitigation measures.
A Government Order issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department on July 28, 2026, states that the committee will evaluate the potential impact of El Niño on a scientific basis and recommend appropriate precautionary and disaster mitigation measures.
The committee's functions include monitoring rainfall and drought conditions, identifying vulnerable areas, and advising the Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency on early warning systems. It will also advise the government on drought and flood mitigation measures in vulnerable areas to ensure adequate preparedness.
The Expert Advisory Committee will function during 2026-27 and 2027-28, and will be chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration. Its members include experts from leading institutions: S. Kanmani from Anna University's Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management; Balaji Narasimhan from IIT Madras; M. Arivudai Nambi Appadurai from WRI India; Ramesh Ramachandran from Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company; R. Venkatesan from the State Environment Appraisal Committee; J.K. Patterson Edward from Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute; and R. Pradeep John from Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited.
The formation of this committee underscores the state's proactive approach to managing climate-related risks. El Niño, a climate pattern associated with warming of the Pacific Ocean, often leads to altered weather patterns globally, including droughts and floods in different regions. For Tamil Nadu, which relies heavily on monsoon rainfall, a strong El Niño could disrupt agriculture, water supply, and increase the risk of extreme weather events.
The committee is expected to provide timely advice to help the government take preventive measures and reduce potential damage from the weather phenomenon.
