PMK differs with DMK on Hogenakkal

Wed, Apr 9 03:10 PM

Madurai, Apr 9 (PTI): The PMK, an ally of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, today differed with Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's decison to put the Hogenakkal project on hold till Karnataka Assembly polls, saying there is no need for it as the two states have already 'agreed' on its implementation and the Centre's clearance has been obtained. "Why should the project be delayed when everything, including the quantum of water to be drawn from the Cauvery river, has already been agreed upon between the two states? Why should the project wait?" PMK leader S Ramadoss told reporters here.

Ramadoss asked why Tamil Nadu should wait for the implementation of the project when Karnataka had already completed phases I and II of the Bangalore city drinking water project from the Cauvery river. On the delay in implementing the project by the Tamil Nadu government, citing lack of adequate funds, he questioned how the government found money to implement other projects like the Ramanathapuram drinking water project and the Krishna water scheme.

Successive state governments did not fight for the state's rights on the Cauvery or Mullaiperiyar or Palar issues, he said. Ramadoss said AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa should have been allowed to talk in the state Assembly on the Hogenakkal issue.

Jayalalithaa yesterday staged a walkout from the House, 'protesting' the Speaker's refusal to move a special adjournment motion on the issue. Ramadoss said that in the past, when PMK went to court, seeking implementation of the project, the then AIADMK government said it would be implemented in three phases.

He also said that Jayalalithaa should come to the House regularly to take part in the debates. PTI.

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