Athikadavu lift irrigation work to end by March
The State government has fixed March 2021 as the deadline for completing the long pending Athikadavu Avinashi lift irrigation scheme executed at a cost of Rs 1,652 crore and the Sarabhanga lift irrigation scheme taken up at a cost of Rs 565 crore to recharge 100 dry tanks using the surplus water from Mettur dam.
Governor Banwarilal Purohit, in his customary Assembly address on Tuesday also noted that in addition to two existing 45 MLD tertiary treatment reverse osmosis plants, two 10 MLD sewage tertiary treatment ultra-filtration plants are under construction at Perungudi and Nesapakkam to recharge Perungudi and Porur lakes. He reiterated TN would continue to maintain its stand on the inter-state water disputes between Karnataka and Kerala over Mekedatu and Mullaiperiyar dam issues and would also request the Centre not to accord sanction for the projects that would affect the water supply.
The Governor also said that the two-language policy will continue. He congratulated Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and frontline health workers for effectively handling the COVID situation and claimed that TN was on the path to economic recovery.
Pointing out that TN is a leading destination for investment, he said that out of the 304 MoUs signed in GIM 2019, 81 projects have commenced commercial production and 191 projects are at various stages of implementation. “Since 2019, the State has attracted investment for 149 more projects with a cumulative investment of Rs 1,06,664 crore offering employment to 2,42,705 people,” the Governor said. He also demanded the Centre release funds for cyclones Nivar and Burevi.
DMK walks out: Soon after Governor Banwarilal Purohit’s address, DMK MLAs led by party president MK Stalin walked out of the assembly, protesting over the Union budget.
As soon as Governor Banwarilal Purohit commenced his inaugural address on Tuesday DMK MLAs, led by their party president MK Stalin, opposed his address and staged a walkout. Stalin also announced that the party will boycott the entire session.
Just before his address, the Governor recalled the Union Budget and said that Tamil Nadu has been allotted Rs 1.03 lakh crore which will result in infrastructure development and it is a day to rejoice. Immediately, DMK MLAs opposed the statement of Governor.
The Governor replied that he is factually correct. Despite the explanation, DMK MLAs did not allow the Governor to speak and raised slogans claiming that Governor was wrong. Though Purohit tried to convince Leader of Opposition Stalin, DMK MLAs continued to oppose Governor’s address.
“Stalin, I have one request to you. This is the last session of this term. Respect it and take full advantage of it. You should prove through the debates. Instead of raising opposition, you can debate and discuss the points. I know one thing, all of you senior leaders are best orators. This is my humble request and you should cooperate,” said the Governor.
Despite the request of the Governor, Opposition party MLAs staged a walkout. Coming out of the Assembly hall, Stalin, addressing reporters, said that at a time when he criticised the budget as a ‘lollipop,’ Governor’s statement on allotment of Rs 1.03 lakh to Tamil Nadu cannot be accepted.
Stalin further said that DMK will not participate in the entire session because the Governor has not taken any action on the petitions submitted by the party on December 22 detailing corruption by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and other Ministers.
“Governor is supporting Chief Minister and other Ministers which is evident from being silent on DMK’s petitions. Meanwhile, on the issue of release of Perarivalan, the Governor has not taken any action despite the state sending a resolution in support of his release. Condemning both the issues the DMK will not participate in the entire session,” said Stalin.
Though Governor Purohit tried to convince Leader of Opposition Stalin, DMK MLAs continued to oppose his address