Mettur dam unlikely to meet June 12 date: R Kamaraj

MANNARGUDI: The state Food minister R. Kamaraj has said that Tamil Nadu government will not implement any project including the proposed hydrocarbon projects if people object to it.

Speaking to presspersons at Mannargudi, he said that there is no possibility of either the central government or the state government implementing schemes opposed by people in Tamil Nadu.

“Even with respect to Neet, our stand (Tamil Nadu government stand) is that the state should be exempted from the examination. We will continue to insist on this,” the minister said.

He also ruled out the possibility of opening of Mettur dam on June 12, the traditional date for opening of the dam for Kuruvai (short term) crop in the Cauvery delta.

He also said that state government is taking all steps on a war footing to solve drinking water problem in the state. Earlier the minister inaugurated the distribution of free silt and clay from Vaduvur lake to farmers.

He said that this scheme introduced by the state government was aimed at enriching the fields of farmers with fertile soil and providing clay to artisans like potters for making utensils.

“Vaduvur lake is a sparwling one with a birds sanctuary. It is located on 316 acres on Thanjavur-Mannargudi road. Last year silt and clay were removed on 13 acres of land and given to farmers. A total of 75,000 cubic ft of silt and clay were removed last year. Besides this scheme, desilting of the lake has also been taken up at a cost of `3.5 crore this year. This will increase the water holding capacity of the lake” he said.

Anand, Tiruvarur district collector, Asokan, executive engineer, PWD, revenue, PWD and rural development officials accompanied the minister during his visit, which was appreciated.