Chennai, June 21 (UNI) Expressing its commitment to protect
Tamil Nadu's interests in iner-State river waters issues, the
State government on Monday urged the Centre to reject the
Mekedatu Dam project proposed by Karnataka.
Delivering his customary address to the newly constituted
16th Legislative Assembly, Governor Banwarilal Purohit said
the DMK Government will strive hard to protect Tamil Nadu’s
interests in inter-State river waters issues.
"We strongly urge the Union Government to reject the Mekedatu
Project proposed by Karnataka, which is in violation of the
judgement of the Supreme Court", he added.
Mr Purohit also said the State Government will also request
the Kerala and the Union Governments to quickly accord the
requisite clearances for carrying out the remaining works for
strengthening the MullaiPeriyar Dam.
He also expressed the government's commitment to expedite the
Cauvery-Gundaru link project which was commenced in February
2009 by late Chief Minister M karunanidhil with the foundation
stone laying for the Kattalai barrage across the Cauvery at
Mayanur, between Karur and Tiruchirappalli.
Mr Purohit said the Government was committed to complete the
Athikadavu-Avinashi scheme.
Under the Parambikulam Aliyar agreement, Kerala has completed
the construction of the Idaimalaiyaru Dam. As a follow up, the Tamil
Nadu Government will initiate talks with its Kerala counterpart to
construct the Anamalaiyar dam.
Pointing out that management of water resources is of crucial
importance to a water deficient State like Tamil Nadu, the
Governor said a separate Ministry for Water Resources has
been established.
A new legislation to regulate ground water use will be enacted
to protect the interests of farmers and common people dependent
on ground water.
UNI GV 1315