Karunanidhi urges declaration of interlinking as 'National Project'

The Tamil Nadu government has reiterated its stand on declaring the interlinking of rivers as a 'National Project' and urging for time bound action plan for implementation of the same while also seeking financial assistance for the establishment of zero discharge effluent treatment plants for leather and textile industries in the state and various other projects considering their significant contribution to India's exports and largescale employment generation.

Speaking at the National Development Council Meeting in Delhi on Wednesday, Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi pointed out that any further delay in the implementation of river linking project would be detrimental to the development of the nation.

"All of us are well aware of the strain in interstate relations due to riparian disputes. If unresolved, such disputes may pose a threat to the very unity and integrity of this country," he added.

At the previous NDC meeting, Karunanidhi had mentioned that sharing of river waters had become a source of discord between states and existing institutional arrangements for managing interstate rivers had not been followed.

He also pointed out that neighbouring states with surplus water had been reluctant to spare the natural resource to their water starved sister states. Tamil Nadu has been depending on neighbouring states Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh for its water requirements for drinking and agriculture.

Karunanidhi, at the NDC meeting on Wednesday, urged the Centre not to insist on financial contributions from the state government for central projects such as railway projects and airport upgradation as it would be tantamount to reverse fiscal transfer from the states to the Union government.

He appealed to the Centre for greater support for tertiary healthcare provided by state governments by way of a new centrally sponsored scheme in the 11th Plan to provide affordable healthcare for major ailments.

Among other major demands are central compensation for waiving cooperative farm loans and simplification of procedures for funds allocation under the National Agriculture Development Programme (NADP). The state government waived agricultural loans worth Rs 7,000 crore immediately after assuming office.

Financial assistance under Bharat Nirman to provide free LPG connections and gas stoves to poor families is also part of the demands submitted by the state.

Karunanidhi pointed out that the state deserved assistance from Bharat Nirmal as it has already created rural infrastructure such as full rural electrification using state funds.