Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin interacting with the inmates of the Sports Hostel at the District Sports Stadium in Sivaganga on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: L. Balachandar

Appealing to Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin to help remove seemai karuvelam trees (Prosopis juliflora) in the Vaigai river completely, farmers urged him to expedite ongoing ‘anicut’ work at Tirupuvanam Pudur at a cost of ₹40.27 crore.

Mr. Udayanidhi, who was on a visit to Sivaganga district to review ongoing development works, was accorded a warm reception by Minister K.R. Periakaruppan, District Collector Asha Ajith, MLA Tamilarasi and officials of the Water Resources Department, led by Superintending Engineer Thangaraj and Executive Engineer Ramesh.

The Deputy CM inspected Tirupuvanam Pudur anicut work which will provide water for irrigation to tail-end areas. After the farmers flagged the problems faced by them in getting water due to rampant sand mining in the river and other issues, the government had earmarked ₹40.27 crore for the construction of the ‘anicut’. This, according to the engineers, will provide water to around 7,000 acres of cultivable land from Tirupuvanam to Kanur canal and Pazhayanoor canal, which feed about 20 tanks.

Ayacut Vaigai Pasana Sangam State general secretary Adimoolam appealed to the Deputy CM to order removal of seemai karuvelam trees on a war footing. These trees had not only hindered the free flow of water in the river, but also affected the eco-system, he stressed.

Visits sports hostel

Later, Mr. Udayanidhi visited the sports hostel at the District Sports Stadium and tasted the food served to the boys there. He also sat along with them and interacted with them over lunch. Mr. Udayanidhi listened to the boys’ grievances and posed for group photographs. Some of them were eager to take selfies with him and he readily obliged. District Sports Officer Ramesh Kanna explained the facilities available in the hostel.

The Deputy CM then presided over a meeting, in which Ms. Asha Ajith explained various completed and ongoing projects in the district. Appreciating the district officials from multiple departments, Mr. Udayanidhi said the government had delivered its promises in the last four years. Still, he admitted that there might be expectations from the people and appealed to the officials to bring them (petitions) to the elected representatives for implementation.

Additional Chief Secretary Pradeep Yadav, Additional Secretary R.V. Shajeevana, senior officials from various departments presented the status of the works at the meeting. The Deputy CM handed over welfare assistance to the tune of ₹24.24 crore to 1,512 beneficiaries on the occasion, according to a press release.