No more new districts, says Chief Minister Edappadi

Responding to a query on speculations over bifurcating his native Salem district, the Chief Minister said that it is false information. “No district will be bifurcated hereafter in Tamil Nadu,” he added. There has also been persistent demand to bifurcate several districts, including Coimbatore, Erode and Thanjavur.

On the possibility of extending complete lockdown from Sunday to other days of the week, the Chief Minister denied any such plans and urged the public not to spread rumours.

Stating that Tamil Nadu has done maximum number of COVID-19 tests across the country, the Chief Minister said that deaths have been reduced due to concerted efforts of the government.

“So far 1.56 lakh persons were infected and 67 per cent of them were cured and discharged. Due to increased testing, the state has recorded 2,250 deaths as against 11,000 in Maharashtra,” he said.

Seeking cooperation from the public to contain COVID-19 spread, Palaniswami said that normalcy will return if the public follow the guidelines issued by the government strictly. He also denied any community spread in the state.

On DMK announcing a state-wide protest on July 21 against high electricity charges for consumers, the Chief Minister denied any irregularity in electricity bills calculation.

“Due to COVID-19, the TNEB staff could not take readings from houses. Hence, the four-month usage has been divided and charges collected after deducting the free units. Even the court has accepted the government’s concern and given its verdict. But the DMK has been wantonly holding protests,” he said.

Replying to a query on allegations of more number of people affected by cancer in Erode district due to dyeing units, Palaniswami said that it has not been proved and it is a false allegation.

“Of the 147 dyeing units, 47 have zero discharge treatment facility. They are monitored by the government to ensure that they discharge only after treatment. Action will be taken if there are any irregularities,” he assured.

He also said that Tamil Nadu has created a record by attracting maximum investments across the nation amidst COVID-19 crisis.

Launching 13 development projects completed at a cost estimate of Rs 21.73 crore and laying the foundation stone for as many as 14 projects worth Rs 76.12 crore in Erode on Friday, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that the state is under financial stress. “About Rs 350 crore has been approved for 8,329 MSME units in Erode district to help them get back to normalcy. The state government has been under financial stress. Still, efforts are being taken to address the concerns of the farming and textile sector, which are the primary business in the district,” he said interacting with representatives of MSMEs and SHGs there. The Chief Minister, who came to his home town Salem, held a review meeting and inaugurated welfare projects in Krishnagiri district on Thursday. He is scheduled to leave for Chennai on Sunday.