Tue Nov 05 07:27:21 UTC 2024: ## PMK Condemns Tamil Nadu’s Waterbody Privatisation, Demands Repeal of Act
**Chennai, November 5, 2024:** The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has vehemently criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to allow the privatization of government-owned waterbodies through the Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation (Special Projects) Act. Party president, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, called for the repeal of the Act during the upcoming Assembly session, accusing the government of prioritizing private interests over the well-being of the state.
The controversial Act, which came into effect on October 18, 2024, allows individuals or companies to acquire nearby waterbodies for infrastructure, commercial, industrial, or agricultural projects designated as “special projects.” In exchange for the waterbodies, they are required to provide alternate land to the government.
Dr. Ramadoss highlighted that this legislation could lead to private companies seizing government-owned water bodies, a move he deems unacceptable. He stressed the alarming decline in the number and extent of waterbodies in Tamil Nadu, citing the disappearance of around 15,000 lakes in recent decades, leaving only approximately 27,000 functional lakes.
The PMK president emphasized the urgent need to increase irrigated land in the state but argued that this should not be achieved by privatizing existing waterbodies. He underscored the importance of these waterbodies to the state’s water security and urged the Tamil Nadu government to focus on alternative solutions for development.
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