M.K. Stalin

CHENNAI: The responsibility of laying rural link roads will be given back to local bodies, Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin said on Thursday. The Highways Department has been in charge of the task since 2004.

The roads link remote habitations to the nearest highway. The Government wants to provide roads to all habitations with a population of 500 and above by 2007. "We all know why this power was suddenly snatched from the local bodies and given to the Highways Department. We have to correct this," Mr. Stalin told The Hindu here.

The request to give the responsibility back to the local bodies came from an AIADMK MLA when the Minister was reviewing development works in Madurai.

"Inordinate delay"

"The MLA said there was inordinate delay and that roads were not being laid in many places. I told him that it was his Government that handed over the responsibility to the Highways Department. I assured him that we would take steps to restore the powers to the local bodies," Mr. Stalin said.

AIADMK MLAs took part in the review meeting only in Madurai. The Minister said MLAs should attend the meetings regardless of party affiliation.

Mr. Stalin, who is reviewing major development works in all districts, has so far visited Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Madurai and Nagercoil.

Next week, he is slated to visit Dindigul, Tiruchi, Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur. A team of officials accompany him.

Each meeting follows the same pattern. In the morning, a review is conducted, and all development issues are discussed. Officials, elected representatives and local body chiefs explain the issues and arrive at a timeframe within which they have to be resolved.

The afternoon is spent in inspections and interaction with the local people.

"Generally the issues that people have been talking to me about are better roads, street lighting, lack of garbage clearance, and water and sanitation. Since all officials and district authorities are present, we have managed to find solutions to some outstanding issues," Mr. Stalin said.

Water tanks

For example, two huge water tanks in Alandur (Kancheepuram district) were not being used. "In the meeting, I was told that a former AIADMK Minister was against this because they were constructed from funds provided by the local MP, T.R. Baalu. Because Metrowater officials were with me, I was able to ensure that the tanks were put to use the same day," he said. There was a similar instance in Poonamallee too.

District officials and local politicians said they were pleased with the meetings because many pending issues were being resolved.

The meetings were not mere talking shops. "I know what promises have been made. We will have another round of review meetings after this one ends," Mr. Stalin said.

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