Thoothukudi, Sept. 21 -- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLA from Vilathikulam, GV Markandeyan, accused the Tamil Nadu government of neglecting public welfare works and giving priority to entertainment, tours and leisure activities.

Speaking to reporters in Vilathikulam on Sunday, Markandeyan said no proper precautionary measures had been taken despite a review meeting held recently on preparedness for the northeast monsoon. He alleged that sluice gates of irrigation tanks and breaches in village water bodies had not been repaired, posing a threat to people's livelihoods during the monsoon.

He said only 10 to 20 per cent of the required water was being supplied under the combined drinking water scheme, leaving people to face drinking wa...