Thorough check: Agriculture Minister Veerapandi S. Arumugam (middle), inspecting the progress of works on the Underground Drainage Scheme in Mullai Nagar in Salem on Friday. – Photo: P. Goutham

Agriculture Minister Veerapandi S. Arumugam has urged the officials and contractors not to compromise on quality in development works and especially in Underground Drainage, which is being implemented in the city.

Accompanied by Salem Mayor J. Rekha Priyadarshini and Corporation Commissioner Dr. K. S. Palanisamy and other officials, the Minister inspected the Underground Drainage works at KSV Nagar in Reddiyur, Mullai Nagar and other areas.

Works such as construction of small tanks and laying of pipes for the scheme were being undertaken in these areas.

He also visited Jagir Ammapalayam where road works to the tune of Rs. 6 lakh were undertaken.

At Poosarikadu, drainage and storm water channels were constructed at a cost of Rs. 15 lakh.

Besides this, the Minister also inspected the road works being executed at Water Board Colony, New Fairlands, Alagapuram Pudur and KMS Garden Road areas.

After winding up the forenoon session tour, he resumed it in the afternoon in other areas.

Later he was closeted with the officials at Travellers’ Bungalow where he reviewed the progress of the works with officials.

He asked them not to compromise on the quality of works and said that work should be speeded up.

He reviewed the assistance under welfare schemes disbursed within the Corporation areas, as well as development works and action taken on petitions received from the public so far.

Deputy Mayor C. Panneerselvam, Salem RDO M. G. Kulandaivelu, councillors, zonal chairmen and other officials took part in the meeting.

Earlier, on Thursday evening, he was given a rousing welcome at the Salem Airport for being named by DMK to receive this year’s Periyar award.

Party workers and others stood on both sides of the road to welcome him. Sixteen cadres from Edapadi dressed up like Periyar greeted him at Omalur.

Source: THE HINDU