Tirupur : "The farmers of all three districts were uncertain about the implementation of the Athikadavu-Avinashi project.
Tirupur: "The farmers of all three districts were uncertain about the implementation of the Athikadavu-Avinashi project. But being a farmer, I was able to correlate to the importance of the project. Hence, I was determined to bring this project to reality, which has come true today", said CM Edapadi K Palanisamy during the inauguration of Avinashi-Athikadavu project on Thursday.
During the inauguration, the Chief Minister also announced a new project 'Godavari -Cauvery' connecting scheme.
Briefing on the project, the CM said "Godavari is a perennial river. Nearly 2500 tmc of water is flowing into the oceans. A DPR was prepared to implement the Godavari-Cauvery connecting scheme by which 200 TMC of water from Godavari will be rerouted to Cauvery. When the scheme is implemented, the delta farmers need not be dependent on the neighbouring states for water requirements".
"Myself and Avinashi MLA Dhanapal and I hail from Salem. Our collaborated effort has helped us serve the agriculturalists of this region with a meaningful project for their lifetime. Notably, to the farming community, the AIAMDK government has been planning and executing several developmental schemes", he said.
Recalling the efforts taken by former CM Jayalalitha in implementing the project, the CM said, "In 2013, former CM Jayalalitha sent a comprehensive proposal to the Centre for approving and sanctioning funds. Unfortunately, the proposal got rejected. During 2016 elections, Jayalalitha promised to implement the project. And, today we have fulfilled her promise".
"As Tirupur district receives only 500 - 700 mm of rainfall, the areas surrounding it are drought prone. The project will help 24,000 acres of cultivable land. A 30 MW solar plant will be inaugurated at a cost of Rs.119 crore to fulfil the electricity requirement of the project. This will largely lessen the burden of the farmers who will otherwise have to pay electricity charges", apprised the CM.
"Many areas were left out during the original plan. After the new proposal, the areas that have been left out added to benefit the farmers of the entire stretch. The project will be completed within the promised period", he assured.
The CM also explained about other important projects that were in the pipeline for the upcoming days.
*Anamalai - Nallaru project will be implemented after holding talks with the Kerala government.
*Restoration of ponds and tanks at a cost of Rs.315 crore.
*A three year project for rejuvenating ground water at the cost of Rs.1000 crore.
*Water management committee set up to utilise the excess water in all the districts and reduce our dependence on the neighbouring states.
*TN government gave approval for neera which will benefit the coconut farmers in the kongu districts.
*A food park worth Rs. 2000 crore will be launched to benefit the farmers. Once it becomes operational, the farmers can sell their products directly.
*Around 4 lakh farmers benefitted under cooperative farming scheme
*Farmers who were affected by drought were provided with drought relief fund of Rs. 2,247 crore.
*Farmers insurance worth Rs. 3400 crore was given.
* Rs. 2000 will be given to poor farm workers from March 4.