The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : We are monitoring Mullaperiyar dam, says Karunanidhi

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Friday, Sep 15, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

We are monitoring Mullaperiyar dam, says Karunanidhi

Special Correspondent

To ensure safety and interests of the people of both States

CHENNAI : The Tamil Nadu Government is closely monitoring the operation and maintenance of the Mullaperiyar dam to ensure safety and interests of the people of both the States, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said, in a letter to Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan, on Thursday.

Seeking to allay Kerala's apprehensions over the safety of the dam, especially with regard to people living downstream, Mr. Karunanidhi said State PWD officials were involved in the monitoring.

Thanking his Kerala counterpart for taking note of Tamil Nadu's concern for fulfilling the irrigation and drinking water needs of the people who are dependent on the Periyar river, Mr. Karunanidhi also drew Mr. Achuthanandan's attention to the Supreme Court's observation that there was no report to suggest that the safety of the dam would be jeopardised if the water level was raised to 142 feet.

Expert committee

Based on the recommendations of the expert committee, the apex court had permitted Tamil Nadu to raise the water level initially to 142 feet and carry out strengthening works with the cooperation of Kerala.

The Kerala Government amended the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act in March, 2006, which envisaged fixing of the full reservoir level (FRL) of the dam at 136 feet and the Tamil Nadu Government had filed a suit challenging the applicability of the Act, Mr. Karunanidhi said in his letter.

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