CM Vijay Announces ₹4,800 Crore Drinking Water Schemes, Withdrawal of Protest Cases Against Farmers and Teachers

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay made a series of announcements in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on September 2 through a statement under Rule 110, covering drinking water infrastructure and the withdrawal of police cases arising from protests.

Vijay said the government would take up drinking water schemes worth about ₹4,800 crore. The package was reported to include a 400 MLD desalination plant at Minjur to serve North Chennai, Avadi, Ponneri and Minjur; a ₹500 crore scheme for round-the-clock water supply in Avadi Municipal Corporation; ₹300 crore as a first phase to renovate 33 old combined water supply schemes; a ₹410 crore project to expand the Kilpauk Water Treatment Plant in Chennai; and ₹1,000 crore for drinking water improvements in Madurai and Cuddalore.

The Chief Minister also announced that cases registered against farmers and teachers who had peacefully protested for their livelihood and rights during the previous DMK government would be withdrawn. According to the announcement, this covered cases against farmers who protested the proposed Parandur airport and SIPCOT land acquisition, and against teachers who demonstrated over their demands.

Vijay said the decision to drop the cases was taken on humanitarian grounds and in keeping with democratic principles, describing it as a step to protect the right to peaceful protest.

The announcements were made during the ongoing budget session of the Assembly.