Cauvery Tribunal final award in August: Minister

Chennai, Jun 25 (UNI) The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was expected to give its final award in August, Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister Duraimurugan said today.

In an informal chat with newspersons at Anna Arivalayam after the district secretaries meeting, the minister said final arguments from both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka sides were almost complete.

''We expect the final award to be given in August,'' he said, adding the state had engaged former Attorney General K Parasaran to wind up the arguments on its behalf.

''There were some apprehensions, but luckily, the senior counsel has accepted our request. We look forward for early conclusion of arguements,'' he said.

On the Mullaiperiyar issue, Mr Duraimurugan said the Kerala government is yet to inform about the ministerial level talks on raising the height of the dam.

Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan had discussed the issue with Chief Minister M Karunanidhi during his recent visit here and had assured resumption of ministerial level talks.

UNI WS JJ VD PC1635