Independence Day celebrations in the Nilgiris were subdued, as the district continued its recovery from the damage caused by the recent rain. Unlike in previous years, no cultural performances or events featuring school children were organised at the Government Arts College grounds in Udhagamandalam.
Instead, the district administration chose to honour members of the various government departments who rendered meritorious service during the eight-day spell of heavy rain in the Nilgiris, who helped minimise the number of casualties and limit damage to infrastructure owing to their timely intervention.
Udhagamandalam RDO, S. Suresh, District Rural Development Agency’s Project Director P. Babu, District Revenue Officer S. Nirmala, and District Forest Officer, Nilgiris division, D. Guruswamy were among the officials honoured at the event.
Other officials and staff from various departments, including the Forest Department, police and fire and rescue services were also felicitated for their exemplary work during the flood.
Speaking at the event, the Nilgiris District Collector J. Innocent Divya thanked everyone who worked on flood relief operations across the district and said she was confident that the district would be able to recover from the damage very soon.
