Gram sabha meetings were organised in Kanniyakumari and Thoothukudi districts on Sunday to mark Local Governance Day. Officials focused on public health, road repairs, and civic infrastructure. Collector M. Prathap said, "The development of the country begins in villages, which can achieve self-sufficiency when the public work in coordination."

Gram sabha meetings were organised in Kanniyakumari and Thoothukudi districts on Sunday to mark Local Governance Day.

Participating in a meeting held at Sadayamangalam panchayat in Kanniyakumari district, Collector M. Prathap highlighted the importance of tuberculosis prevention and advised the people to approach the nearest government primary health centre for immediate screening in case of symptoms.

"The development of the country begins in villages, which can achieve self-sufficiency when the public work in coordination with government departments.," he said.

Responding to the demands of residents of Sadayamangalam, an immediate allocation of ₹4 lakh had been made for the repair of the road on Samivilai Street, ₹22 lakh for repairing the road from Sithanthoppu to Sadayamngalam panchayat office and ₹20 lakh for the repair of road from Puliyanvilai to Appattuvilai.

Mr. Prathap also stressed the importance of maintaining a clean environment and urged residents to come forward and voice their demands for basic facilities. People must ensure that water did not stagnate inside discarded items in and around their houses, as stagnant water could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and spread various diseases.

Padmanabhapuram MLA R. Chellaswamy, Assistant Director of Panchayat Sivabalan and other officials were present.

In Thoothukudi, Collector Vishu Mahajan participated in a gram sabha meeting held at Nattathi village..

The Collector explained the preventive measures against dengue and the need to eliminate potential breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes and emphasised the importance of HPV vaccine for girls aged 14-15 years to prevent cervical cancer.

Steps would be taken to resolve patta-related issues in the village. The demand for construction of a fair price shop would be discussed with the department concerned and appropriate action taken.

Executive engineer of Department of Rural Development Agency Elancheran and other officials were present.