Infrastructure projects with Japanese aid to be implemented in Pondicherry

PUDUCHERRY: Infrastructure development programmes would be implemented in the Union Territory with an assistance of Rs 1510 crore from Japan, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy said on Friday.

Unfurling the tricolour on the occasion of independence day, he said the development programmes were to create full-fledged irrigation facility, underground drainage structures, develop roads, bridges and massive drinking water scheme.

He said a Rs 43.14 crore flyover facility would be established linking Kamaraj Salai and Maraimalai Adigal Salai as part of tackling traffic congestion.Government would revive construction work to establish the Kamaraj Manimandapam (Memorial) at Karuvadikuppam near here at Rs 23.60 crore.

Rangasamy also announced that November 1 (De Facto Merger Day) would be observed from this year as a public holiday and government would celebrate the day as Liberation Day of Puducherry.

He said this decision had been taken in keeping with the recommendations of a high power committee constituted by the government. The committee had gone into the historical records relating to liberation movement of Puducherry and made the recommendation which had since been implemented.

The Chief Minister earlier inspected the guard of honour presented by Puducherry Police and took salute at the march past presented by various contingents.

He presented President's police medal to Senior Superintendent of Police Dr VJ Chandran for meritorious service and handed Chief Minister's police medals to various police officers.