“A five-member committee has been constituted by both the states to carry forward talks on implementation of Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) and Anamalayar- Nallaru project,” he told reporters in Tirupur on Friday.

To a query on farmer’s opposition to erection of high tension transmission towers on farm lands, the Chief Minister said that the government does not have any alternative plans for implementing the project. “Farmers should support the scheme for the development of the state and for them to get adequate power supply,” he said.

Pointing out that the state government is taking efforts to bring back guest workers, who went to their hometowns following COVID-19 outbreak, the Chief Minister said, “As the spread of infection has slowed down, the guest workers are looking to return. Hence, the state government will take efforts to bring them back to work in textile units in the district. Even during the pandemic, the guest workers who stayed back were taken good care by providing them with rations, medicine, clothes and a place to stay. By doing this, the government has ensured that the health of workers was protected and thereby safeguarding the concerns of industries in the district.”

Palaniswami announced that works will soon commence for setting up of a veterinary college and hospital in Udumalpet at a cost of Rs 85 crore to cater to the huge presence of cattle population in the district.

“Also a statue of Kangeyam bull will be erected in Kangeyam Town in honour of the native breed of cattle,” he said.

Participating in a slew of events in Tirupur, Palaniswami also distributed welfare aid to the tune of Rs 66.72 crore to 5,592 beneficiaries, inaugurated projects worth Rs 31.68 crore and laid foundation for new projects worth Rs 287.38 crore.