28 January 2007
Special Correspondent
The Hindu
CHENNAI: The State Government is considering a proposal to establish a special purpose vehicle to overcome pollution in Tirupur, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi told the Assembly on Saturday.
Wrapping up the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, the Chief Minister said one option was to lay pipelines to let out effluents from dyeing and bleaching units in Tirupur. Unlike areas in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Tirupur was not close to a coastal belt. Considering the distance to be covered, the cost was estimated at Rs. 700 crore approximately.
According to the proposal, the State Government would share 15 per cent (Rs.100 crore) of the total cost and Union Government 25 per cent (Rs.125 crore) with the industry meeting the rest.
Soon, the Government would hold consultations with all stakeholders, Mr Karunanidhi said, referring to the pollution problem raised by members of the Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist). He hoped that the litigation over the problem would be settled amicably.
On acquiring land for new industrial units, the Chief Minister emphasised that farm lands would not be disturbed.
At the same time, issues regarding the State’s progress, establishment of industrial units and employment creation should be taken into account.
Small plots, half-an-acre of land here and there might have to be taken over.