Chennai, Sept. 2 -- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday announced a slew of measures in the state Assembly, including drinking water projects worth Rs 4,800 crore and the withdrawal of cases registered against farmers and teachers for peacefully protesting over their livelihood, rights and demands.

Making the announcements under Rule 110, Vijay said the decisions were aimed at strengthening public welfare, improving essential services and protecting democratic rights.

Under the drinking water programme, the government will establish a 400 MLD desalination plant at Minjur to meet the requirements of North Chennai, Avadi, Ponneri and Minjur. A new Rs 500-crore scheme will also be implemented in Avadi Municipal Corporatio...