Most farmers voluntarily giving land for highway project: Edappadi Palaniswami

Speaking to media, at Salem airport on Sunday, the Chief Minister said only some four or five farmers, out of 100 are refusing to give up their land, while others have voluntarily provided their land.

Reiterating that the road project has become essential in view of the increasing vehicle population, the Chief Minister said that the Union government is implementing the green corridor project with the assistance of state government.

The National Highway in Krishnagiri, Bengaluru to Tiruchy road via Salem and Madurai and Ulundurpet road were all laid in 2006. “The vehicle population had increased from 1.7 crore then to Rs 2.57 crore now in Tamil Nadu. It is the duty of the government to develop roads considering the increasing vehicle population,” he said.

On the surveying works for the project, the CM said boundary stone has been laid for 56 km in Dharmapuri and 30 km in Salem district. “Only six more kilometres had to be surveyed for fixing of boundary stones,” he said.

On the opposition to acquiring land for airport expansion in Salem, the Chief Minister said the airport expansion has become inevitable to promote industrial growth, generate employment opportunities for youngsters and to attain economic prosperity in the region.

Replying to a query on why public hearings weren’t conducted on the issue, the CM said over 1,200 people had expressed their views participating in the 20 public hearings conducted in Salem district over land acquisition for airport expansion.

“Unlike low compensations that were given during the DMK regime, the state government has chalked out plans to pay maximum compensation.

Efforts would also be taken to build Green Houses, besides giving land for farmers who lose even quarter and half acres of land,” he said.

On the Cauvery issue, the CM said the Union government nominated a representative for Karnataka as it failed to do so, despite Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry having nominated members for the Cauvery Management Board.

“The board will evaluate water levels every ten days and take a decision on releasing water,” he said.

Commenting on the arrest of DMK cadre in Namakkal district, the Chief Minister said that the DMK workers were arrested as they disturbed law and order situation. “His (Governor’s) visit is meant for a constructive purpose and to bring development projects,” he said.

Stating that the court ruling on the 18 MLAs disqualification case shouldn’t be criticised, Palaniswami said it is not fair to speak further on the issue when the case is before a third judge.