Edappadi K Palaniswami thanks PM Narendra Modi for sanctioning AIIMS

CHENNAI: On behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday  thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for deciding to set up an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Thoppur in Madurai district. With the finalisation of the location, the project is being taken to the next stage.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, the CM said he had directed the Health Minister and his department to provide all necessary support to the Centre to facilitate the early commencement of work.
“The AIIMS at Thoppur will substantially augment the facilities in the State for providing quality medical education, research and also ensure high-end tertiary level health care in the public sector to benefit the poor and middle classes,” he said.

Palaniswami told mediapersons that Tamil Nadu had recommended five locations - Chengalpattu, Madurai, Sengipatti (Thanjavur district), Perundurai (Erode district) and Pudukottai, and Thoppur had been chosen for the project.

He said the 750-bed hospital will come up on 200 acres and would be established at a cost of `1,500 crore. Besides, 100 MBBS seats were being created for this hospital and 60 nurses could be given training here.

CM orders release of water for irrigation
Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday ordered release of water from Kodumudiyar, Gadana, Adavinainaar, Ramanathi and Karuppanathi reservoirs for irrigation in Tirunelveli district for 125 days from June 22. While the release from Kodumudiyar reservoir will benefit 5,781 acres in Nanguneri and Radhapuram taluks, the opening of the shutters of the other four reservoirs will benefit 8,225 acres in Ambasamudram, Sengottai and Kadayanallur taluks.

Activist held for FB post against CM
Chennai: A 27-year-old activist of the Naam Thamizhar Katchi has been arrested for making defamatory comments against the Chief Minister. The Guduvanchery police on Wednesday morning arrested R Balaji (27) from Karanaipuducheri in Guduvanchery.  “Balaji posted a video in his Facebook account, making defamatory comments and abusing the Chief Minister and other ministers for the newly planned Chennai-Salem green expressway,” said police.