24 July 2007

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government is to go ahead with its plan to construct a new dam to replace the 111-year-old Mullaperiyar dam, Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan announced in the State Assembly yesterday.

"The state government will take up construction of the dam within the limits of its resources without waiting for financial assistance from the Union government," Achuthanandan said while replying to a submission.

Referring to fears voiced by members on the rising water level in the dam flowing incessant monsoon rain, Achuthanandan said the government shared a similar view.

The people of four districts in the state have been living with the fear that the rising water level might wreck the dam.

A disaster management plan prepared by the government in the event of a catastrophe was not a permanent solution to the issue, Achuthanandan said. "If anything happens to the more than 100-year-old dam, casualties would be in millions."

Heartless premise

Kerala would go ahead with plans to build a new dam despite Tamil Nadu's argument that there was no danger to the present dam, the chief minister said rebuking the neighbouring state for its callousness.

Roshy Augustin of the Kerala Congress-Mani and other MLAs from Idukki district, where the reservoir is situated, pointed out that people were living in perennial fear as the water level had touched 135 feet, just one feet below the permissible limit.

While Kerala wants the water level to be maintained at 136 feet, Tamil Nadu wants it to be raised to 142 feet so as to be able to draw more water for irrigation purposes.

State Water Resources Minister N. K. Premachandran said a detailed project report for the proposed new dam, 1,300-metre downstream of the existing dam, was being prepared.

When the Supreme Court takes up the case today, Kerala would argue that a new dam would also help settle the dispute with Tamil Nadu, Premachandran said.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition staged a walkout from the House, protesting against the government's refusal to discuss an adjournment motion on the observations of the Supreme Court and the High Court against the government and its police.

By Akhel Mathew

Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.