New Delhi: Stating that the talks between Tamil Nadu and Kerala failed to resolve the dispute over raising the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam from 136 to 142 ft, the Tamil Nadu Government has moved the Supreme Court to restrain Kerala from interfering with its right to raise the level in the dam as per the apex court directions of February 2006.

Placing on record the events subsequent to the order passed by the apex court in September last to find an amicable settlement, Tamil Nadu said that on November 29, 2006 talks were held between the Chief Ministers of both the States. At that meeting, Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan insisted on the construction of a new dam, since, according to him, the present dam was in an unsafe area. As there was no breakthrough in the talks, another round of talks was held between Irrigation Ministers of the States on December 18, 2006. Kerala took the same stand and there was no progress in talks. Tamil Nadu brought to the court's notice that in the last few days some television channels in Kerala had been telecasting visual graphics, depicting a scenario that in the event of Periyar dam bursting a huge flood would cause extensive damage to the downstream.

"This is aimed to create a wave of fear psychosis in the minds of the people of Kerala. All these are also meant to create a situation and instigate the people living in the districts of Periyar river valley to oppose the implementation of Supreme Court's directions... ," the affidavit said.

Kerala was continuing its obstructionist approach and trying to re-open the issue of dam safety. It must be noted that after perusing various expert committee reports, the apex court held that Kerala's apprehension on dam safety was baseless. Tamil Nadu prayed for an interim stay of the operation of the law passed by Kerala in 2006.

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