Irrigation Minister to deal LBP row :Minister Muthusamy

Housing Minister S Muthusamy said the controversy over the modernization of the Keelpawani Irrigation Canal in Lower Bavani Project (LBP) would be taken up with the Minister of Irrigation Duraimurugan.  

He heard the views of the farmers' unions who support the reconstruction of the Kizhpavani canal at the Collectorate on Thursday.  The Minister  advised the ryots who opposed the project to interrupt the meeting that this should not happen.  He later told reporters:  I have already negotiated several times with the unions objecting concretisation of the canal.  Now I heard the views of those who supported the project.

But, I am not able to bring a consensus between the 2 groups supporting and opposing the project.Therefore, a report will be submitted to the Minister of Irrigation on this issue. He will take a decision on it. I have no personal opinion on this issue.  Only with the ryots consent can the project be implemented. But I could not able to find a solution to the row.    DMK Environment Team state leader Karthikeyan Shiva Senadhipathi opposed concretisation project. 

It is his opinion.  But the final decision will be taken by the Minister of Irrigation.  He said the problem could be resolved by August 15 when the water in the Keelpavani canal could be released for next paddy season.