PMK legislature party leader Sowmiya Anbumani urged the govt to drop the proposed park along a seven-km stretch of the Thamirabarani, warning that construction could obstruct floodwater reaching the sea
She claimed that nearly 80 lakh youths had been affected by alcohol use and sought phased reduction of liquor outlets, backed by a policy framework and action plan.
After inspecting stretches where sewage and other waste enter the river, Sowmiya said the proposed Rs59-crore development plan should focus on restoring existing bathing ghats and mandapams instead of creating new structures. “If the natural flow of the Thamirabarani until it reaches the sea is not obstructed, floodwater can pass safely,” she said, citing the 2023 Tuticorin floods as a warning against blocking waterways. Responding to political questions, Sowmiya said PMK continued to remain part of NDA despite its stand in the Dharapuram byelection. Irrespective of who came and left, we have remained,” she said, adding that the party’s own policy would take precedence over individual electoral decisions. On remarks made during campaigning against Dharapuram TVK candidate Sathyabama, she said, “Nobody should body shame or ridicule another person. Sowmiya also said PMK had launched an “Alcohol-Free Tamil Nadu” campaign and would take it across districts. On the expanded Vetri Payanam scheme, she said govt buses remained particularly important for students dependent on public transport.
She welcomed the district collector’s assurance that no construction would be allowed within the river’s course and sought a stakeholders’ meeting involving groups working on sewage, wastewater and industrial pollution. “We are in the NDA and have been in the alliance for years. That is our stand.
Madurai: PMK legislature party leader Sowmiya Anbumani on Sunday urged the Tamil Nadu govt to avoid any construction inside the Thamirabarani river, warning that obstructions could worsen flooding during heavy rain.