Kerala is ready to jointly control the new Mullaperiyar Dam, says government

The Kerala government said that they are ready to share the control of new dam with the Central government and Tamil Nadu, if it is built in the place of present Mullaperiyar dam. The proposal was put forward by the state cabinet in the meeting on Wednesday. Oommen Chandy, Kerala Chief Minister, said that the cabinet reached at this decision after considering the arguments and points raised during the two day meeting of the Supreme Court-appointed Empowered Committee over the issue. Oommen Chandy said that the cabinet decision would be informed to the Empowered committee sooner.

Chandy opined that it is a big positive that the issue could draw the attention of the Empowered committee. It can be seen as the recognition for Kerala's stand over the protection of lakhs of people, he said. Chandy assured that Kerala is even ready to pass a new law to ensure continuous water supply to Tamil Nadu from the new dam. Kerala has no secret agenda. The CM said that we are firm on the stand 'Water for Tamil Nadu, Safety for Kerala'.

The Shiruvani dam is jointly controlled by the Kerala and Tamil Nadu states. The state is looking to control Mullaperiyar in the same way as well. Oomen Chandy said that Kerala won't claim water from the new dam. Kerala is even ready to carry the whole expense of building a new dam. Kerala's priority is the safety of its people.

The Mullaperiyar issue has been in discussion for quite a while now. The row touched fever pitch when continuous tremors rocked the vicinities of the dam in July last year. Since then, both states witnessed protests, strikes and even violence. The Keralites and their shops, institutes were attacked in Tamil Nadu. Even the transportation of vegetables and meat from Tamil Nadu to Kerala was interrupted briefly.

For the last few months, the problem is under consideration of the Empowered committee appointed by the Supreme Court. The committee rejected the plea of Kerala to reduce the water level to 120 feet though, new hopes have been raised.