The Hindu 25.10.2010
Government giving priority to drinking water schemes: Stalin
“The Rs. 14-crore Kilpennathur project will provide drinking water for 160 habitations”
Tiruvannamalai: The DMK government is giving priority to solving the drinking water needs of people and it was Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi who launched the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board way back in 1971, according to M.K. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister.
Inaugurating the Kilpennathur Combined Drinking Water Project at a function at Kilpennathur near here on Saturday, he said that “soon after we came to power, we resolved to solve the chronic drinking water problem of Ramanathapuram district. Officials promised to complete the project in two years. However, Chief Minister's encouragement helped us in completing the scheme ahead of the deadline. Now we have taken up the long-pending Hogenakkal project. We hope to complete this too earlier.” The Rs. 14-crore Kilpennathur project would provide drinking water for 160 habitations from Thenpennaiyar river, Mr. Stalin said.
Distributing revolving fund to 1,500 SHGs, Mr. Stalin said the women by enrolling themselves into the SHGs had not only created livelihood opportunities for themselves but also developed the movement as a disciplined and organised force.
Mr. Stalin inaugurated 98 buildings constructed at a cost of Rs. 44.24 crore and unveiled plaques of another 35 projects.
He also distributed benefits to the extent of Rs.22.62 crore under various schemes to 4,652 persons.
District collector M. Rajendran welcomed the gathering. Food Minister E.V. Velu and Health Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam were among those who participated. Earlier speaking at a seminar on Industrial development and employment opportunities in Tamil Nadu organised at SKP Engineering College here, Mr. Stalin said “Tamil Nadu has attracted investment to the tune of Rs.3,300 crore after my recent tour of China and Korea”.
