TN Govt keen on inter-linking rivers in the state: Governor

Chennai, Jan 23 (UNI) Since no consensus has been arrived at among the states on the linking of rivers in the country, Tamil Nadu Government has requested the Centre to provide financial assistance at least for the scheme for inter-linking of rivers within the state, Governor Surjit Singh Barnala announced in the State Assembly today.

Delivering his customary address to the House, he said ''in so far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, without any further loss of time, this government will expeditiously take up the preliminary works of the project.

Mr Barnala also pointed out that the State government has been repeatedly urging the Union Government for expeditious implementation of this project and for taking up the inter-linking of the peninsular rivers in the first phase.

''Further, this government will set up a committee of experts to explore the possibility of preventing the surplus surface water draining wastefully into the sea during monsoon and using this water to recharge the underground aquifers, benefiting drought prone areas,'' he added.

Mr Barnala disclosed that a major scheme would be implemented in the water deficit areas of the state from the ensuing financial year for storing the unutilised water in rivers, rivulets and streams by means of check-dams and utilising it round-the-year for drinking water and agriculture.

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