Date:12/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/12/stories/2006091210330100.htm

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Kerala for status quo on Mullaperiyar

Special Correspondent

Achuthanandan writes to Karunanidhi; objects to raising water level in the dam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Government has objected to Tamil Nadu's move to post its police personnel at the Mullaperiyar dam site and increase the water level in the reservoir.

Following official statements criticising announcements made by the Chief Engineer of Tamil Nadu Water Resources Organisation on September 7, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan wrote to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Monday urging that State to maintain status quo regarding water level and security at the dam site. He proposed that the issues could be settled amicably through talks.

Mr. Achuthanandan recalled that Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister Durai Murugan had written to Water Resources Minister N.K. Premachandran proposing the deployment of Tamil Nadu police at the dam site to prevent intrusion of people into the dam site. "No doubt, you are aware that the entire dam site is within the territorial jurisdiction of Kerala. My Government, after considering the issue, has decided that the Kerala police is competent and sufficient in providing security at the dam site." He noted that Kerala had been protesting in various forums against the move to raise the water level in the dam above 136 feet. "We have never been against giving water from Periyar to Tamil Nadu. Our protests are only about the safety of the Mullaperiyar dam. We have enough reasons to support our apprehensions about the stability of the old dam. The studies carried out by various State and Central agencies clearly show that the threat to the stability of the dam is real.

"I am sure that as an experienced politician and a statesman of long standing, you will appreciate my concern regarding the safety of the people of my State. Breach of the dam will result in the destruction of life and property in five districts of the State."

Mr. Achuthanandan added that he could not shirk his responsibility to protect the life and property of the people of the State.