Minister for Energy Resources and Law C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar on Saturday assured that necessary steps would be taken to provide basic infrastructure required for the development of Madurai district.

Addressing the gathering at an event organised by the Tamil Nadu Foodgrains Merchants Association, he said the demands of the people of Madurai and the trade associations would be considered and necessary steps would be taken to fulfil them.

He said there was a need to augment the basic infrastructure facilities like proper drinking water, roads and underground drainage facilities. Various demands of the trade associations would also be taken up, he said.

He said small traders should achieve good growth so that job opportunities are generated resulting in overall development. He said he would provide support to the traders.

He also expressed confidence that the TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) would sweep the next local body elections, which would in turn help them implement the various infrastructure projects at the grassroots level.

Honorary Advisor of the association S.P. Jeyapragasam said Madurai needs to get rid of the “dirty city” tag and Vaigai river should be restored.

He urged the Minister to take up necessary steps required. President of the association S.V.S.S. Velshankar welcomed.

The association submitted a list of demands to the Minister to be taken up for the overall development of Madurai. The demands included restoration of Vaigai river, better waste disposal, to improve groundwater level, to ensure uninterrupted water supply to the people, need for more industries in the district, Airport expansion, Madurai Metro Rail project, bus port and to take necessary steps to decongest the city.

Mr. Nirmal Kumar and TVK MLAs A. Kallanai, S. Karthikeyan. S.R. Thangapandi and M.M.Gopison were felicitated at the event. MLA S. Madhar Badhurudeen was unable to attend the event due to other commitments.

At a press meet held after the event, the Minister said the water level at the Vaigai dam was being continuously monitored. Arrangements were being made to supply drinking water through water tankers on a war footing to those areas where there was a shortage. The government was deliberating on various schemes to find a permanent solution to the drinking water crisis, he said.

To meet Madurai’s electricity demand, six new substations are required and around 250 new substations are required across Tamil Nadu. The planning for these projects is currently in progress, he said.

The groundwater levels in Madurai were affected due to operation of illegal quarries. So far, 11 illegal quarries in the district have been closed. Appropriate action would be taken against those acting in violation of the rules, he said.

Responding to a query on the devotees fainting at Thirupparankundram temple, he refuted reports that stated a number of people had fainted. He said only one person had fainted and a few other had experienced discomfort due to overcrowding and fatigue. The authorities swung into action and provided treatment. All necessary facilities and safety measures were implemented for the convenience of the devotees, he said.