AIADMK General Secretary, ‘Edappadi’ K Palaniswami, has criticized the DMK government for delaying the completion of the Athikadavu-Avinashi project, a major water scheme aimed at benefiting farmers in Tamil Nadu. Speaking to the media on Friday, Palaniswami stated that 85% of the project had been completed during the AIADMK’s tenure, but progress has slowed significantly under the current administration.
Palaniswami, who led the AIADMK regime from 2017 to 2021, emphasized that his government had sanctioned Rs 1,605 crore from state funds for the scheme. “This project is historically significant and has come as a blessing for poor farmers in the region,” he said, stressing the importance of timely completion.
However, the AIADMK leader acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic had temporarily halted the project’s progress for nearly a year. “But after the regime change, the remaining 15% of the work has been dragging on for 40 months under the DMK government,” he claimed, accusing the current administration of negligence.
Palaniswami also highlighted his party’s achievements, particularly the Mettur surplus water discharge scheme, which was designed to fill up 100 lakes in Tamil Nadu. He alleged that the DMK government is similarly delaying this initiative. “I have frequently raised the issue in the Assembly, urging the government to speed up the project. Now, water has only reached 30 lakes. If the land acquisition, which is only 10% incomplete, were finalized, these 100 dry lakes would be full of water,” he remarked.
The former Chief Minister warned that if the DMK government fails to expedite the project, the AIADMK would prioritize its completion once it returns to power. “Our commitment to farmers remains firm. We will ensure that the Athikadavu-Avinashi and Mettur surplus schemes are completed, benefiting farmers across the region,” he concluded.
Palaniswami made these remarks during an event in S