The Hindu : Front Page : Vaiko to go on `padayatra' from Madurai to Gudalur

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 18, 2006
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Vaiko to go on `padayatra' from Madurai to Gudalur

S. Vijay Kumar

To create awareness of Periyar Dam issue among people

Vaiko. File Photo

MADURAI: The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary, Vaiko, will begin a `padayatra' from Madurai to Gudalur to create "awareness" among the people on the Periyar Dam issue.

Members of various farmers' associations are also expected to participate in the six-day rally that will commence from Teppakulam here on Monday.

Talking to The Hindu on Sunday, Mr. Vaiko said the rally would "expose" how the Central and State Governments "betrayed" the people of Tamil Nadu on the issue.

The Minister-level talks in New Delhi were nothing but a "mere eyewash and delaying tactics intended to hoodwink the people."

At the public meetings planned en route the 136-km stretch, Mr. Vaiko said that he would highlight the Supreme Court verdict that favoured the increasing of water level to 142 feet in the Periyar Dam.

Bad precedent

"Any delay in implementing the apex court order will set a bad precedent.

"The Centre should immediately take steps to increase the water level to 142 feet," Mr. Vaiko added.

Rally route

The rally will pass through Chekkanoorani, Usilampatti, Andipatti, Theni, Veerapandi and Uthamapalayam to reach Gudalur on December 23, party sources added.

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