DMK, AIDMK Raise Issue Of Opening Mettur Dam For Irrigation

Raising the issue, Palani MLA Ravi Manoharan sought a new building for the government girls hostel functioning in Ayakudi town panchayat. Responding to the demand, minister Vanni Arasu said the existing building was in a dilapidated condition and instructions had been issued to the district Adi Dravidar and tribal welfare officials to demolish and remove the old structure.

He said a new hostel building with accommodation for 50 girl students will be constructed during the current financial year at an estimated cost of ₹3.70 crore. The government will ensure that the hostel gets its own permanent building at the earliest, he added.

Meanwhile, the issue of opening the Mettur dam for delta irrigation came up during a calling attention motion.

DMK MLA Govi Chezhiaan said farmers in the Cauvery delta districts were waiting for the release of water and sought clarity from the government on when the dam will be opened.

Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami said the AIADMK had already submitted a calling attention motion on the issue. He said water had not been released for kuruvai cultivation and farmers were facing difficulties.

Referring to the water resources minister’s statement that water had not been released due to inadequate storage, Palaniswami said water was now flowing into the reservoir, and the delta farmers were being severely affected. He asked whether water will be released for samba cultivation and, if so, when.

He stressed that farmers should be informed at least 15 days in advance of the release so that they could begin preparatory agricultural activities.

Replying to the discussion, water resources minister Anand said “good news” would be announced soon regarding the opening of the Mettur dam.

The Assembly also witnessed a heated exchange over the resignation of six MLAs and the issue of elected representatives joining other political parties.

DMK MLA Austin raised the matter, following which Palaniswami argued that people in constituencies without their elected MLAs were unable to effectively take up their problems.

The exchange led to interventions from the Speaker, who cautioned members against turning the Assembly into a public meeting by raising their voices collectively.

The Speaker also observed that when elected representatives who won on one party’s ticket leave and join another party, it can lead to several difficulties. He said some remarks made during the discussion had caused concern and would be recorded.

The Speaker subsequently brought the discussion to an end, saying that further arguments following MLA Austin’s remarks were unnecessary.