The Hindu : Front Page : State seeks Centre’s cooperation for completing Hogenakkal project

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Friday, Mar 28, 2008
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State seeks Centre’s cooperation for completing Hogenakkal project

Special Correspondent

Karnataka’s opposition to the scheme is shocking, says Assembly resolution

M.K. Stalin

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday urged the Centre to extend “full cooperation and help” for completing the Hogenakkal combined water supply project within the stipulated timeframe, and ensure that the Karnataka government did not continue to adopt an “obstructive approach.”

Against India’s unity

“The opposition of Karnataka to the Hogenakkal project, which seeks to fulfil basic drinking water requirement and protect people from severe disease, is against India’s unity, integrity and sovereignty,” stated a resolution moved by Local Administration and Rural Development Minister M.K. Stalin and adopted by a voice vote.

It said Tamil Nadu always nurtured friendship and cordial relations with neighbouring States and their people. Describing Karnataka’s opposition to the project as shocking and deeply painful, the resolution said the project was meant to cater for the dry districts of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri, where the presence of fluoride in water sources was widely prevalent.

Noting that the Hogenakkal project will not harm Karnataka, the motion said it was proposed to draw the Cauvery water flowing within Tamil Nadu and supply it to the needy.

It pointed out that using the Cauvery as the source, Karnataka was implementing a drinking water project for Bangalore.

The motion stated that in the wake of Karnataka’s opposition, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on March 17, explaining the factual position of the project.

In 1998, clearances of the Environment and Forest, Rural Development and Water Resources departments at the Centre were obtained. Tamil Nadu planned to execute the Rs.1,334-crore project with the financial support of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

Mentioning that the project was under consideration for long, the resolution said considering its necessity, all parties in Tamil Nadu were extending their support. The Centre was supporting the State in securing financial assistance from multilateral agencies.

Support for project

The project had been receiving the support of various governments at the Centre, including the one led by A.B. Vajpayee and the present regime led by Dr. Singh.

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