Work on two power projects has started: K. Rosaiah

Chennai, Feb 17 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah Tuesday said work on two power projects in the state having a capacity of 1,980MW has commenced and the 500MW third unit at Vallur is expected to start commercial production soon.

Rosaiah, in his customary address to the state assembly, said: "The work on Ennore Expansion Project for 660MW and Ennore Special Economic Zone Project two Units of 660MW each have also commenced."

"It is heartening to note that unit III with a capacity of 500MW of TNEB-NTPC Joint Venture Project at Vallur, which is under trial run, is expected to commence commercial operation shortly," he said.

According to him, a total of 3,358MW has been added to the power generation capacity in the state in the last four years, providing much-needed relief to the state.

He said Tamil Nadu has attracted a total of Rs.44,402 crore of foreign direct investment(FDI) between May 2011 - September 2014 and it ranks third among Indian states in terms of foreign investment flows.

"I am confident that the proposed Global Investors Meet(GIM) on 23rd and 24th May 2015 in Chennai will ensure the emergence of Tamil Nadu as one of the top three preferred investment destinations in Asia and the best state in the country," Rosaiah said.

Referring to agricultural production, Rosaiah said the state achieved the highest ever foodgrain production of 110.02 lakh tonnes during 2013-2014.

Lauding the various welfare measures implemented by the AIADMK government, Rosaiah said a total of 47,735 milch cows and 21.91 lakh sheep/goats have been distributed among the poor in rural areas under the free cattle scheme.

Stating that substantial progress has been achieved in implementation of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, Rosaiah urged the central government to accord clearance for the project's extension.

Rosaiah also appreciated former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa for her relentless efforts in securing the rights of Tamil Nadu in various inter-state water disputes.

"It is only because of her perseverance and courage that the state could secure a historic verdict from the honourable Supreme Court declaring the Mullai Periyar Dam as hydrologically, structurally and seismically safe, thereby enabling the state of Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 feet," he said.

DMK president M. Karunanidhi, in a statement, said it was amusing to note that the governor has appreciated Jayalalithaa, who lost her chief ministership after she was convicted and sentenced to a four-year jail term and fined Rs.100 crore.

Earlier, three opposition parties -- DMK, CPI-M and PT -- boycotted the governor's address.