Goondas Act on quarrymen

In an announcement that has the potential to assuage the fears of State revenue authorities and various enforcement agencies, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today warned that those indulging in illegal sand quarrying would be booked under the provisions of the Goondas Act.

Speaking to newsmen after today's Cabinet meeting, which is the third one after the DMK's assumption of office, he announced early implementation of Seawater Desalination Project and Metro Rail project. The Bill passed by the previous AIADMK government to take over the Cable TV trade would be repealed, Karunanidhi said.

On the sea water desalination plant, Karunanidhi said that the previous AIADMK regime had decided on a bidder who imposed several conditions unfavourable to the government. 'If such conditions are taken back, the scheme could be given to the same bidder for implementation,' Karunanidhi said and added that with the Central assistance of thousand crores of rupees for the seawater desalination project, it could be implemented soon(more...)