Tamil parties protest against proposed dam on Mullaiperiyar River by Kerala Govt.
29 Oct 2009, 1935 Hrs

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Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Oct 29 Activists of Tamil Nadu's regional political parties, Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (PDK) and Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK), staged a demonstration on Thursday to protest against Kerala Government's plans to build a dam on Mullaiperiyar River.

The activists also protested against Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, who has reportedly given the green signal to Kerala Government to conduct a survey for a new dam across the river.

"The Supreme Court had passed an order that the Mullaiperiyar dam height to be increased to 143 feet, despite the orders passed by the Supreme Court, Kerala Government is violating the court orders and are now in the process of constructing a new dam across mullaiperiyar river," said Pannerselvam, one of the protestors.

"The Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh had given permission to Kerala Government to proceed further, this will drastically affect the water source of people in Tamil Nadu," he added.

Protestors also said that the Kerala Government should allow the Tamil Nadu Government to increase the height of Mullaiperiyar dam as per the Supreme Court orders.

The existing dam over the river located in Kerala has been a bone of contention between the two States, as it is operated, controlled and used by Tamil Nadu as per a century-old agreement.

Tamil Nadu Government has in the past demanded Kerala Government to implement a Supreme Court order -allowing the level of the dam to be raised to 142 feet. But, Kerala Government is apprehensive, as they believe that a higher storage would prove detrimental to the safety of the 112-Year-old-dam endangering the lives of about 35 lakh people downstream.

Kerala Government, has over the years, demanded the construction of a new dam citing safety concerns, however it is strongly pposed by Tamil Nadu Government, as it believes the move could affect its water supply. (ANI)

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