CM promises spl prize for early completion of projects

Ramanathapuram, Jan 30 (UNI) In a bid to encourage officials to speed up the implementation of welfare projects, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today announced a special prize for officials if they ensured the completion of Rs 616 crore ''Ramanathapuram Bulk Water Supply Project'' within two years.

Laying the foundation stone for the project, which envisaged drawing water from river Cauvery in Tiruchirapalli district, through pipelines, Mr Karunanidhi said the officials were of the view that the project would take three years for completion.

''Though the target is fixed as three years, I will give a speial prize to the officials and Local Administration Minister (his son M K Stalin) if they ensure the completion of the project within two years,'' he said amid loud cheers and applause.

Stating that he was happy that the DMK, after coming to power in May last, had implemented a number of welfare schemes, he said while being happy about the performance, he could not hide his surprise when people criticise the schemes, saying there was no use in them.

Without mentioning by name Opposition leader J Jayalalithaa, Mr Karunanidhi said when the government launched the scheme of supplying rice at Rs two per kg at fair price shops, these people (Ms Jayalalithaa) had ridiculed it, saying the rice could be given only to cattles. However, he was not perturbed about such criticisms, he said.

The people of the state would give a fitting reply to those who tried to destablise the government and criticised the welfare schemes launched with good intentions, he said.

He said under the bulk water project, water would be drawn from Tiruchirapalli through pipelines to meet the drinking water needs in Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Pudukottai districts. The project would benefit 20 lakh people in these districts, he added.

Apart from this district, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts were also facing acute drinking water crisis, he said and recalled his announcement in the State Assembly, couple of days ago that the implementation of Hogenekkal combined water supply scheme would help to solve the problem. He said the Japanese Government has come forward to provide financial assistance for implementing the scheme (Rs 1005 crore) UNI