Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Mullaperiyar issue

The editorial "No room for chauvinism" (Nov. 25) came as a whiff of fresh air in the surcharged and vitiated atmosphere. It is hoped the leaders of Kerala and Tamil Nadu will approach the Mullaperiyar dam issue in a spirit of conciliation as advocated by the editorial. The crucial issue is whether the storage level of 142 feet is safe or will pose a threat to the people living around the dam. Irrigation is important for Tamil Nadu but the benefit cannot be extended to it at the expense of lives on the other side.

Manohar Alembath,
Chennai

The Chief Ministers of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu should rise above narrow considerations and stop playing to their respective galleries. Both of them should prove the statesmen they are. Instead of acting as regional heads, they should convince their people that a mutually agreed solution is the only way out of the imbroglio. This is a godsend for both of them to become role models for leaders of other States that are entangled in disputes.

K.P. Vilasini,
Thrissur

The editorial was balanced and thought provoking. The sentences "What Tamil Nadu needs to realise ..." and "What Kerala needs to realise ... " should be etched on the files of the two Chief Ministers when they meet. Resorting to economic blockades is only cutting off one's nose to spite one's face.

A. Balagangadharan,
Pollachi, T.N.

The safety issue cannot be resolved through discussions between two Chief Ministers. The Supreme Court permitted the raise in the water level only after experts said it would be safe. If the Kerala Government wanted to contest this, its engineers should have produced convincing data before the Central Water Commission or the apex court. Having failed, it is improper for it to brush aside the court verdict and work upon the fears of the people, leading to a confrontation between neighbouring States.

G. Radhakrishnan,
Thiruvananthapuram

When the projected life span of even modern dams does not exceed 50 years, it is odd to expect one of the oldest dams to last the 999 years it was leased to Tamil Nadu. The safety of the people living on its leeward side cannot be overlooked. Statesmanship and diplomacy are the need of the hour.

Deepakumar N. Kurup,
Thiruvananthapuram

The issue could have been settled amicably long ago but for the irresponsible and provocative statements of politicians on both sides. The present impasse has generated unnecessary tensions across the borders between two very friendly and interdependent States. Tamil Nadu's need for water should be met and the fears of the people of Kerala should also be allayed. All should rise above petty regional politics to defuse the situation at the earliest.

Titus John,
Tiruvalla

Overexposure in the visual media and irresponsible statements by politicians have led to the whipping up of emotions on both sides. The Centre should work out an amicable settlement keeping the concerns and aspirations of both parties in mind and prevail upon them to follow it.

P.L. Reghu,
Thiruvananthapuram

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