Reiterating that the State government would not give permission for projects affecting farmers, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday appealed to farmers of Neduvasal once again to give up the protest against the hydrocarbon exploration and extraction project.
“This is a people’s government. As the government implements programmes as per the wishes of the people, I once again assure that we will not allow schemes that affect the livelihood of farmers,” Mr. Palaniswami said, after inaugurating various projects executed at a cost of ₹623 crore in Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Karur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts through video conferencing from here.
On his maiden visit to Tiruchi after taking over as Chief Minister, he pointed out that he appealed to the representatives of Neduvasal, who met him recently, to withdraw the protest. Farmers had expressed apprehensions that their livelihood would be affected if the hydrocarbon project was allowed in Neduvasal.
The State government had not given licence for commercial production of hydrocarbons. Farmers need not have any apprehension over this, he said.
Pointing out that several areas were affected because of drinking water scarcity following failure of northeast monsoon, Mr. Palaniswami said that ₹350 crore had been sanctioned to rejuvenate the drinking water sources in rural areas.
A sum of ₹160 crore has been allotted for augmenting and improving water resources and drinking water distribution systems in urban areas. Officials were asked to expedite steps to ensure drinking water supply to the residents.
