JBIC funding finalised for Hogenakkal:CM

Chennai, Nov 8 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Government has finalised an agreement with the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) for funding the Hogenakkal Integrated Water Supply Project and tenders have been floated for taking up work, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said today.

''We have reached an agreement with the Japanese bank for availing loan and tenders have been floated to take up works for the project,'' the Chief Minister said, reacting to the reported remarks made by Karnataka Irrigation Minister that they would take up the issue with JBIC and stop funding for the project.

The Minister also reportedly said after restraining the JBIC from funding the project, the Karnataka Government would take up with the Centre on stopping the implementation of the project.

Mr Karunanidhi had laid the foundation stone for the Rs 1,334-crore project in Dharmapuri on February 26.

The Chief Minister had a brief chat with newspersons this evening after chairing a legislature party meeting.

He said the party MLAs were advised to uphold the decorum and dignity, while participating in the debate in the assembly which is meeting on November ten for the Winter Session.

UNI WS GM RSA HT2006