DINDIGUL
The State government allocated ₹325 crore for desilting and strengthening rural tanks and lakes and ponds in the State to improve the storage level. Work on strengthening Periyar dam was also in progress to increase the storage, said Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
Addressing the gathering on his way to Madurai at Batlagundu in the district on Sunday, he said that increasing the storage in Periyar dam would benefit farmers in southern districts. The State government had been giving top priority for rehabilitating and protecting waterbodies in the State. Permission was also granted to coconut growers to tap ‘neera’ from coconut tree to enhance their income, he added.
In Kodaikanal, he had announced that 32-km-long Adukkam-Periyakulam Road would be laid soon as it would become the third prime road connecting the hill station and the shortest route from Theni. The Natham-Dindigul Highway would be developed into two-way and laid an exclusive walking path for Palani ‘padyatris.’
Similarly, a walkers’ path would also be laid along Dharapuram-Palani Road for the convenience of Palani pilgrims. Kodaikanal would also get an amphie-theatre and multi-storey parking lot. The government would consider appeals to develop Sirumalai as a tourist spot.
Earlier, a rousing welcome was accorded to him at Ghat Road junction and at Batlangundu road junction. Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, Theni Collector M. Pallavi Baldev and Superintendent of Police M. Baskaran received him at Ghat Road junction.
Mr. Pannerselvam did not come to Batlagundu where Mr. Palaniswamy addressed the gathering.
