Expedite Palar, Thenpennai link scheme: Ramadoss

Ramadoss was interacting with reporters in Vellore. To a question on Cauvery water being released into the sea, Ramadoss said that 158.33 tmc of water is released into the sea as the state uses only 40 tmc. “As the state government is more bothered about sand quarrying, this was the only natural that they do this as the government’s water management is very poor,” he added. In the same vein he added if Mettur Dam was desilted another 10 tmc can be saved. Construction of 10 check dams/barrages on the Cauvery and Coleroon will save another 60 tmc of water. Adding to this, if the height of Mettur Dam is raised by 10 meters it will enable additional storage of 27 tmc, he said. 

He also said that the present AIADMK government should resign if the Thoothukudi-based Sterlite Copper succeeds in its efforts to reopen the plant.

On the delay in conducting the local body polls by over two years, he said, “This was because the AIADMK government feared losing the election. The government had stated that polls would be held after delimitation of wards. The government should announce the election schedule on or before September 10.”

On the case regarding disqualification of the 18 MLAs he said that there is every chance of the government to fall if the verdict is against it. In such a circumstance, both the Assembly and Parliament elections can be held simultaneously, he averred. 

Trifurcate Vellore district He also called for the trifurcation of Vellore district with its 13 constituencies into three districts, with headquarters at Vellore, Arakkonam and Tiruppathur. 

On the acquittal of former PM Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts, he said that the Centre should permit the Supreme Court to decide on the release of the seven convicts as all them have spent nearly 27 years in jail.