CHENNAI, JAN 4:   The proposed desalination plant to produce 100 million litres of potable water daily for Chennai city is being delayed owing to the `obstacles' created by Union environment minister A Raja, according to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. By raising several queries, the Central minister, belonging to the DMK, had `surreptitiously blocked' the plant, proposed by her to find a permanent solution to the problem of drinking water shortage for the citizens of the city, she charged.

The ministry of environment and forests in a letter dated December 28, 2005 and addressed to Chennai Water Desalination Ltd, the company formed by IVRCL Infrastructure & Projects Ltd, raised several queries on the project, she said. ``It is shocking how the very same people, the DMK ministers, who threw all concerns about environment to the wind while hastily pushing through the Sethusamudram canal project have today stalled the project to provide a permanent solution to Chennai's drinking water problem,'' the chief minister said.

In a hard-hitting four-page statement, the Chief Minister said the project was being stalled by the ``selfish, perfidious and dangerous role played by the DPA combine represented by the 12 Union ministers from Tamil Nadu and their patriarchs like Mr M Karunanidhi and Dr S Ramadoss''.

These leaders, she said, were trying to stop the desalination plant from taking off, throwing to the winds the welfare of the people.

Giving details about the steps taken by her government for the implementation of the project, the Chief Minister said, Mr Raja had shown ``his true colours'' by holding up the project even though the committee appointed by his own ministry had cleared it.

``Instead of signing the file in approval, he has ensured that by raising all kinds of queries, the project is totally stalled and his great betrayal stands completely exposed,'' Ms Jayalalithaa said.

The Chief Minister said, after due opening of the bids, the project was launched in her presence on September 13, 2005.

IVRCL Infrastructure & Projects Ltd of Hyderabad was awarded the contract to design, build and transfer the plant. It had also entered into a bulk water purchase agreement with the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

IVRCL was to seek the technical support of Befesa CTA of Spain for the project implementation.