Drinking water connections, which were stopped due to prevailing drought conditions, should be given on priority basis to the applicants after Pongal, Municipal Administration Minister S.P. Velumani said on Saturday.

Talking to reporters after a review meeting of the implementation of various projects, both Central and State assisted ones, Velumani said since water storage was adequate, the Corporation should take steps to provide new water connections on priority basis.

He also cautioned the Corporation and workers not to damage roads, while giving new connections, but give them by digging beneath the roads and licences of those plumbers who violated the rules will be cancelled.

Later, Velumani laid foundation stone for a integrated bus stand at Vellalore in the city at a cost a cost of Rs. 2.50 crore.

“The bus stand will have facilities like waiting shed for the commuters, breast feeding hall, ATM, eateries and toilets,” he said.

The Minister also participated in the Pongal celebrations organised by police at the tribal village near Chadivayal and inaugurated various sports events