COIMBATORE: Affirming that the AIADMK government was determined to desilt major water bodies across the State in the wake of the severe drought experienced for the last few months, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Edappadi K. Palanisamy on Thursday said the move would help harvest maximum quantity of rainwater during the ensuing monsoon seasons this year.
He underlined how rainwater harvesting was close to the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's heart, who ensured it on a mission mode during her te-
nure.
Addressing media persons at the Coimbatore International airport here, he said "the state government has allotted Rs 100 crore to start desilting works in 1,519 water bodies across the state. Apart from this, the State government has initiated action to desilt the 2,000 lakes at a cost of Rs 300 crore. We will start the desiltING work in Mettur dam next week."
"As the farmers were severely affected by the drought, the banks have started relief disbursement. The State government is aiding the farmers to get appropriate relief funds from the banks and the insurance agencies.
The state government will ensure that the farmers will get maximum relief approximately Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 crore from the bank and the insurance agencies," Mr. Palanisami said.
The Chief Minister also held discussions with the Coimbatore, Thanjavur, Madurai Salem, Tiruchy, Villupuram and Tirunelveli district collectors regarding the drinking water supply and the lake desilting works being taken up. He directed the collectors that all development works should be completed within the schedule period.
Municipal Administration minister S.P. Velumani, MP C.Mahendran, MLA Amman K. Arjunan were among those who accompanied Mr Palanisami when he arrived at Coimbatore.
CM later arrived at Ooty hill station on Thursday evening by 8.15 pm, to a warm welcome by the AIADMK cadres, people and well wishers.
Complete drought relief work: CM
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami, who reviewed drought relief measures and drinking water supply initiatives with seven district collectors on Thursday, directed the officials to work on a war-footing to ensure supply of drinking water.
The CM reviewed the various drought mitigation measures with the collectors of Salem, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Villupuram, Tiruchy, Thanjavur and Madurai through video-conference from here. He also reviewed the drinking water supply and desilting of water bodies such as lakes.
According to an official release here, Mr Palanisamiy directed the officials to expedite subsidy schemes for farmers and not to leave out a single farmer.
State ministers K. A. Sengottaiyan and C. Srinivasan and chief secretary Girija Vaidyanathan were among those who participated in the review meeting.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister flagged off 25 vehicles to be used in the '108' free ambulance service.
