Kerala to go ahead with new dam at Mullaperiyar: CM

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 6 (UNI) The Kerala Government will go ahead with the construction of a new dam at Mullaperiyar, inspite of opposition from neighbouring Tamil Nadu and even if the Centre did not extend cooperation, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said today.

Talking to mediapersons after a Cabinet briefing, he said if the Government did not get any assistance from the Centre in this regard, it would collect money from the people and construct a new dam.

Since a new dam was necessary, considering the safety of about 35 lakh people in four districts, the Government would never go back on its decision, he asserted, adding that the damage to the dam could be seen after water dries out.

Mr Achuthanandan said he had apprised the Prime Minister of the seriousness of the issue and the latter had assured him that he would discuss the matter with Tamil Chief Minister M Karunanidhi when he came to Delhi for the NDC meeting.

UNI