Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the establishment of 72 new police stations and 23 fire stations since the DMK government took office in 2021, emphasizing the commitment to improving law enforcement and emergency services.Key Takeaways
- 72 new police stations established
- 23 fire stations created
- Financial feasibility will guide future proposals
- Construction of new fire station in Aavudaiyarkovil
- Significant funds allocated for airport expansion
Chennai, March 26 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, declared that 72 new police stations and 23 fire stations have been set up throughout the state since the DMK administration took office in 2021.
Speaking at the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Stalin highlighted the government's dedication to enhancing the state's law enforcement and emergency response systems.
In response to several MLAs who advocated for new police and fire stations in their areas, the Chief Minister promised that their requests would be evaluated based on financial viability. While discussing the budget for the Home Department, Stalin mentioned that further announcements would be made regarding specific requests from lawmakers.
In response to a request from Aranthangi MLA T. Ramachandran for a new building for the fire and rescue services station in Aavudaiyarkovil, Stalin disclosed that the government has allocated Rs 2.59 crore for this initiative. The construction, to be handled by the Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation, is slated to commence in May 2025 and is anticipated to conclude within a year.
The Chief Minister also informed the assembly that a site in Kangayampalayam village has been earmarked for a permanent building for the fire and rescue services station in Sulur, located in Coimbatore district. The land transfer process to the Fire and Rescue Services Department is currently ongoing, and construction will commence soon. Meanwhile, Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa updated the assembly that tenders have been issued for the expansion of Coimbatore International Airport. This follows the Tamil Nadu government transferring lands obtained for the project.
Rajaa criticized the former AIADMK government for its delays in the project, emphasizing that although the airport expansion was initially proposed in 2010, substantial funding was only allocated starting in 2018. From 2018 to 2021, the AIADMK administration allocated Rs 572 crore, which is significantly less than the estimated project cost of Rs 2,088 crore. He noted that within a year of taking office, the DMK government, under Chief Minister Stalin’s guidance, allocated Rs 1,185 crore for the project.
Reiterating the significance of the project, AIADMK leader and former minister S.P. Velumani stated that the airport expansion would enhance Coimbatore’s industrial landscape and attract additional IT companies to the region. Electricity Minister V. Senthilbalaji confirmed that land acquisition for the airport expansion has been finalized and has been handed over to the relevant authorities by the District Collector.
