Govt will prevent construction of dam across Palar river

Chennai, Jan 24 (UNI) Tamil Nadu government will take necessary steps to prevent construction of a dam across Palar River by Andhra Pradesh, Electricity Minister Arcot N Veerasamy told the State Assembly today.

Replying to Mr C Gnanasekaran (Congress), who raised the issue after question hour, the Minister said the Government would hold talks with the Andhra Pradesh Government on the issue.

If necessary, the Government would also approach the Union Environment Ministry, which had to give clearance for the project, to stall it, he added.

Earlier, Mr Gnanasekaran cited media reports that the foundation stone for the project was going to be laid on January 28.

Stating that river Palar was a lifeline to five northern districts of Tamil Nadu, catering to their irrigation needs, he asked how the Government was going to prevent the construction of the dam.

PMK floor leader G K Mani said the Government should Act expeditiously, as only a few days were left for the foundation stone laying ceremony.

UNI