Date:17/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/17/stories/2007111761071400.htm

National

Mullaperiyar: Soz denies statement

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz said on Friday that if either Kerala or Tamil Nadu approached the Centre on the Mullaperiyar dam issue, the Central government would be “duty bound” to do whatever was possible. Kerala has stated its intent to construct a new dam, while Tamil Nadu is opposed to it.

“State subject”

Denying that he said Kerala should construct a new dam, Mr. Soz said it was a State subject. “Both Kerala and Tamil Nadu should decide in consultation with one another, the issue of the construction of a new dam in place of the 110-year-old Mullaperiyar dam.”

He said that unless a State approached the Centre, it could not perform any role. “Earlier I tried to promote understanding through dialogue between the two States and tried to narrow down the differences. The matter is now in the Supreme Court and it is for the Court to take a view. But if any of the States approaches the Centre, we would be duty-bound to perform our role.”