New dam costruction need of the hour: Joseph

Idukki, Kerala, Aug 27 (UNI) Kerala PWD minister P J Joseph today said the MullaPeriyar Dam was affected after mild tremors in the area and the construction of the new dam was the need of the hour.

Talking to newspersons here after a visit to the dam this afternoon, he said the water level of the dam should be kept below 136 ft as the structure was weakened by the tremors last week.

Mr Joseph said if the TN Government is not willing to keep the water level below 136 ft, the water should be diverted to the Idukki dam through canals.

The Tamil Nadu Government should take initiatives with the State Government to construct a new dam, as the lives of around three lakh people were at stake, he added.

UNI XR MA AKJ RS2015