Chennai, July 28:
Tamil Nadu Energy Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar on Monday said the Supreme Court has not permitted the Karnataka government to undertake any unilateral construction in the Mekedatu dam project, rejecting claims that there are no legal hurdles to proceed.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the energy research laboratory and storage systems at the IIT Madras campus in Guindy, the minister said the state government is actively exploring all possible measures to prevent the project.
“The claim that the Supreme Court has not imposed any restrictions is incorrect. The Chief Minister is continuously holding consultations with officials on the steps required to stop the dam construction,” he said. He added that an announcement would soon be made regarding a possible meeting between the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to discuss the issue.
On another matter, Nirmal Kumar asserted that Tamil Thai Vazhthu would continue to be given priority in Tamil Nadu. “It is our firm position that Tamil Thai Vazhthu must be sung first. Guidance from Raj Bhavan on this issue is not appropriate. In BJP-ruled states, priority is given to their respective state language songs,” he said.
Addressing questions on green energy, the minister alleged that several irregularities had taken place in the solar power sector during the previous DMK regime. “There were multiple violations and discrepancies. Corrective steps will be taken,” he said.
Outlining future plans, he said the government intends to implement battery backup systems to store electricity generated from solar panels. “Research on energy storage cells has been undertaken at IIT. This will help us move towards efficient storage solutions,” he noted.
He also announced that a comprehensive digital platform would be developed to support the solar ecosystem. The app will facilitate everything from availing subsidised rooftop solar installations to obtaining new electricity connections, generating power, and supplying surplus electricity to the grid.
“A detailed policy framework for solar power generation is being prepared as part of the state’s broader green energy strategy,” the minister added.