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Anti-seaport protests not necessary: Chief Minister

Special Correspondent

Reiterates that panel of experts will assess the project

Puducherry: Chief Minister N. Rangasamy told the Assembly on Monday that it was not necessary for the public to resort to protests against the development of a port in Thengaithittu on the outskirts of Puducherry.

Replying to the criticism made by some MLAs on the issue in the House, the Chief Minister said he was ready to discuss any apprehensions about the project. He reiterated that the Government would constitute an expert committee to go into the merits and demerits of the port project. No project would be implemented if it was found to be injurious to the people in any manner, he added.

Mr. Rangasamy said agitations in any form would be detrimental to the peace and harmony in the village.

The decision to develop the port was taken by the Cabinet and it was not a decision taken by any Minister.

Hence, levelling charges against a Minister were absolutely unjustified, he said.

Earlier, in his reply to members, Health and Port Minister E Valsaraj said the project was also cleared on the condition that the developer obtained the approval of the Union Environment and Forests Ministry.

He said the agitators had not taken into consideration the conditional permission given to the developer.

Members expressed divergent views on the issue. Some members wanted a judicial enquiry into the lathicharge on villagers, who took out a procession on April 13.

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