The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Kerala seeks Centre's help to build new dam

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Sunday, Apr 01, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Kerala seeks Centre's help to build new dam

Special Correspondent

In place of the Mullaperiyar dam

V. S. Achuthanandan

NEW DELHI: Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan on Saturday sought help from the Centre to build a dam in place of the Mullaperiyar dam. At a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here this evening, the Chief Minister informed him about the Kerala Government's plans to begin groundwork for the new structure as the Mullaperiyar dam posed a grave threat to the life and property of people in five districts of the State.

Briefing mediapersons about his meeting, Mr. Achuthanandan said there was no other option. A new dam would not only address the water needs of Tamil Nadu, but secure the life and property of the people of Kerala.

According to the Chief Minister, now that the water level in the dam had come down, the cracks in the structure were there for all to see. This evidence of extensive damage had alarmed the people. As for the Tamil Nadu Government's opposition to a new dam, he asked: "Why should they object as long as they get water? We are suggesting a new dam to secure their water requirements.''

Asked how Kerala could possibly begin preparatory work on the dam without the Supreme Court's permission, Mr. Achuthanandan said he was hopeful of a favourable verdict on this count, given the humanitarian dimensions. He said the Government would go to the people to generate resources for the dam.

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