Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Mullaperiyar row

The Mullaperiyar dam issue is snowballing into a row between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The politicians in both States are exploiting the situation for petty political gains. Kerala's opposition to raising the water level in the dam is based on the fear that it will lead to a human catastrophe. Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, wants Kerala to raise the dam's height on the strength of a Supreme Court order. Kerala and Tamil Nadu should resolve the differences through talks. Political parties in Tamil Nadu are resorting to unhealthy practices like stopping supplies to Kerala. This is an ominous development that will incite hatred among the people of the two States.

Krishna Prasad,
Thiruvananthapuram

* * *

While the people of Kerala are caught in the grip of fear and anxiety over the safety of the dam, the Tamil Nadu Government maintains there is no danger.

The safety of the dam is not a matter that can be determined by politicians. Why not seek the assistance of experts in the interests of all concerned?

M.P.R. Nair,
Kochi

* * *

The real issue has been obfuscated in the mudslinging and battle of words. The issue involves the lives of nearly four million people. The leaders of both States should sit across the table and sort out the issue.

K.P. Aravindakshan,
Palakkad

* * *

Once again, water is becoming a contentious issue between two States. It is the visual media of Kerala that are to blame for creating a fear psychosis among the people. They acted irresponsibly by hyping the issue forgetting that the apex court has given permission to increase the height of the dam based on advice from technical experts. It seems to have become a fashion to shout down experts and go by the statements of those who talk or write emotionally. A government cannot function on the basis of media reports.

K.P. Sethumadhavan,
Kochi

* * *

If a solution has to be found to the vexed issue, a statesman-like approach from the Chief Ministers of both States is called for. The people have to learn to share natural resources and live in peace.

Ashok Viswanath,
Chennai

* * *

Tamil Nadu and Kerala should go for an out-of-court settlement. Notwithstanding their entrenched positions, the leaders of both the States should behave in a statesmanlike manner and display a spirit of give-and-take in the best interests of the nation.

G. David Milton,
Maruthancode, T.N.

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