Supreme court issues notices to Kerala on dam

New Delhi, Sep 8 (UNI) The Supreme Court today issued notices to the state of Kerala directing to file its response within one week, to the Additional Affidavit filed by state of Tamil Nadu seeking directions to Kerala government not to create hurdles in the way of increasing the height of Mullaiperiyar dam from 136 ft to 142 ft.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal and Justice C K Thakkar issued notices after hearing the counsel for state of Tamil Nadu, who contended that the impugned act passed by Kerala state assembly namely Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation(amendmdent) Act,2006, was aimed at stalling the implementation of the orders of this court dated February 27, 2006 permitting Tamil Nadu to increase the water level from 136 ft to 142 ft and also from carrying the repair work in accordance with the order of this court.

The Tamil Nadu has also alleged that Kerala government is trying to politicise the issue by making unsubstantiated statements.The affidavit also stated that Dam Safety Authority under the Central Water Commission has also certified that minor earthquake or tremors had no affect whatsoever on the structure of the dam.

UNI AKS/SC SP DS1602