Public Works Minister O. Panneerselvam on Thursday categorically said that there was no illegal sand mining in the State government-demarcated areas for the activity.
Replying to apprehensions raised by CPI (M) member K. Annadurai in the Assembly that miners were exploiting riverbeds beyond the levels allowed, Mr. Panneerselvam said norms were being strictly adhered to in areas where the government allows mining through licensing. Whenever there were complaints of illegal mining activity in the past, officials had acted swiftly, he said.
Replying to questions on the Mekadatu issue from DMK members, Mr. Pannerselvam said guided by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, the State had taken all legal measures to stop Karnataka from going ahead with the project.
In his reply to the demand for grants to the PWD, the Minister said a detailed project report for upgrading the Kallanai basin of the Cauvery, with an estimated project cost of Rs. 2610 crore, has been submitted to the Centre for funds. “All efforts to complete this task quickly would be undertaken,” he said.
The Chief Minister had ordered improvement of infrastructure on the Cauvery delta to the tune of Rs. 1560 crore to mitigate the effects of climate change. As a first step, a Government Order for works worth Rs. 840 crore in the Vennaru sub-basin would be undertaken.
Swipes at DMK
Mr. Pannerselvam took several swipes at the DMK and other Opposition parties during his speech.
While former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had encouraged youngsters to dream for the betterment of the nation, some in Tamil Nadu had mistook the suggestion and were day dreaming about becoming Chief Minister. This, he said, would not become true.
Earlier, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi MLA M.H. Jawahirullah urged the government to establish a multi-skill development institute and a digital library at Rameswaram as a mark of respect for the former President.
