T.N. Rains | Lignite mining at NLC India Ltd in Neyveli stalled

Heavy rains in Cuddalore & Villupuram districts caused disruption of normal life & lignite mining. Schools & colleges declared holiday & Annamalai University cancelled classes & exams. Rainfall recorded in 24 hrs: Cuddalore 123.6mm, Parangipettai 119.5mm, Chidambaram 102mm & Kattumannarkovil 98mm. Rains predicted till Fri.

Heavy rains lashed various parts of Cuddalore and Villupuram districts on the night of Monday, November 13, 2023 night and on the following Tuesday morning, under the influence of a low pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal.

The incessant rains threw normal life out of gear forcing many residents to stay indoors.

Lignite mining at NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) in Neyveli was also stalled following the heavy rains as the open cast mines were inundated. The work of pumping water out from the mines was ongoing on Tuesday morning, but NLCIL has adequate stocks of lignite for the next 15 days, an official said.

The district administration had also declared a holiday for schools and colleges.

Official sources said Cuddalore received 123.6 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday. Parangipettai recorded 119.5 mm followed by Chidambaram with 102 mm and Kattumannarkovil with 98 mm.

The Meteorological Department has predicted isolated heavy rainfall in Cuddalore district till Friday.

Meanwhile, Annamalai University cancelled the classes and examinations slated for Tuesday, due to heavy rains. The rescheduled examination date will be announced later, according to a press release from the University.