Date:17/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/17/stories/2006061719030400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Stalin seeks Jayalalithaa response to queries

Special Correspondent

Desalination project concessions questioned

Questions pertained to various obligations on the part of Metrowater
"Jayalalithaa diverting the public's attention"

State understood motive behind her not clearing proposal for Central assistance for meeting revenue gap: Stalin

CHENNAI: Municipal Administration and Water Supply Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday asked why the former Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, was silent on the questions raised by him on the Chennai desalination project.

The questions pertained to various obligations on the part of Chennai Metrowater to buy 95 per cent of water produced by the private promoter of the project every month, including during the rainy season, and at the increasing rates determined by the promoter for 25 years from the date of commencement of supply. In the event of power tariff increase beyond Rs.3.5/kw, Metrowater had to bear the loss, as also any increase in the cost of other components of operational expenditure.

Recalling the questions, Mr. Stalin wanted her to explain why such concessions were granted to the promoter in the desalination project.

He also accused Ms. Jayalalithaa of diverting the public's attention through her statements.

The State now understood the motive behind her not clearing the proposal for Central assistance for meeting the gap in revenue and putting the blame on the Union Finance Minister till the end of her regime, Mr. Stalin added.