The Hindu Business Line : Linking of rivers only solution to water disputes, says Barnala

Chennai, Jan 23 Interlinking rivers in the State, major projects to create water storage facilities to augment irrigation and drinking water supply, a fillip to infrastructure, a policy to encourage small industries with particular focus on agri-business and employment generation, were among the high points in the Governor’s address to the Tamil Nadu Assembly here on Wednesday.

The Governor, Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, said that linking rivers offers the only solution to inter-State river water disputes. But in the absence of a consensus, Tamil Nadu itself would take the lead by launching a programme to link the rivers within the State. It would start the preliminary work on the project for which Central assistance is awaited.

Panel to be formed

A committee would be formed to look into augmenting surface storage of water to recharge aquifers and preventing surplus draining into the sea during the monsoons. Such storage facilities would also come up in water deficit areas through a scheme to be launched in the next financial year.

The State Government will come out with a policy offering incentives and support to small-scale industries. Agro processing industries will receive special attention, the Governor said.

Power generation

Over 185 MW of power generation facilities will come up through cogeneration facilities to be set up at a cost of Rs 925 crore in the cooperative and public sector sugar mills.

To meet the housing needs of the low and middle-income group housing schemes will be launched through public-private partnerships.

Developers setting aside space for low-income groups in their housing projects will be permitted a higher floor space index.

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