Date:26/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/26/stories/2008022654070400.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

New Mullaperiyar dam to cost Rs.216 crore

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has decided to construct a new dam at Mullaperiyar, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has said. The Chief Minister said in a written reply in the Assembly on Monday that the new dam would come up 1,300 feet downstream the existing dam. The Water Resources Department has been directed to prepare a feasibility study and project report.

As per preliminary reports and abstract estimates, the dam is expected to cost Rs.216 crore.

Since the site for the new dam falls within the purview of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, it needs the clearance of the Union Forest Ministry.