Tamil Nadu government today said administrative sanction for Rs 3.27 crore has been granted to take up preliminary works of the Athikadavu-Avinashi Flood Canal project.
A government order (GO), dated February 18, has been issued in this regard, Finance Minister O Panneerselvam, who also has the PWD portfolio, told the state Assembly and wondered if the ongoing protests on the issue were "proper".
He said the state government had in its interim budget on Tuesday announced that it will send a revised proposal to the Centre on the matter.
"To take up preliminary work by appointing a consultant for seeking approval from Union Environment and Forest Ministries and taking up field work regarding land acquisition and documentation work, administrative sanction for a sum of Rs 3.27 crore has been granted and the GO issued," Panneerselvam said.
The chief engineer, Water Resources Department, has been asked to prepare a detailed project report (DPR), he said.
Referring to the ongoing protests for demanding implementation of the long-pending scheme, he asked if continuing with such agitation was "proper".
He said Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was "determined" to implement the scheme which will benefit the people of Avinashi and nearby areas in Tirupur district.
Protests including indefinite fast are on at Avanashi and a few other places in Tirupur district demanding immediate implementation of the project.
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Meanwhile, protesting villagers thanked the government for the decision but said they will continue with the agitation until they received a copy of the order.
The agitation will continue till the copy of the official government order reached the organising committee leading the protest and those supporting the struggle, even as the fast and agitation entered the 12th day today, committee sources said.
At least 70 persons, including a few women, are observing indefinite fast at various places in the region, seeking the implementation of the project, which would benefit the districts of Coimbatore, Tirupur and Erode.
Top leaders of almost all the major political parties had visited the venue of the fast and extended their support, with DMK treasurer M K Stalin and Tamil National Movement leader, P Nedumaran meeting them today.
