Government for dialogue to resolve dam issue: minister

Kochi, Aug 24 (UNI) Kerala Water Resource Minister N K Premachandran today said the government was considering a political dialogue between the state government and Tamil Nadu government to resolve the Mullaperiyar dam issue.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr Premachandran said talks between the Chief Ministers of the two states would help to mitigate the problem.

He said the government might also take legal recourse to find a solution to the issue.

On the recent mild tremor in the areas, the minister said the experts at the state Mining and Geology Department have clarified that the dam is situated in a siesmic zone.

The experts also opined that the water level in the dam should be maintained at 136 feet, he added.

The minister, who was here to assess the progress of the HUDCO drinking water project for the city, said the project would be commissioned by June, 2007.

Mr Premachandran also informed that the government is considering setting up of grievance cells to look into the drinking water problems of the common man.

A public adalat would also be conducted at least once in two years to hear the complaints, the minister added.

District Collector A P M Mohammed Hanish and other senior officials of the ministry were also present.

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