Kerala to revoke pact with TN if talks on dam failed: Minister

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 25 (UNI) Kerala Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran today told the Assembly the government would take steps to revoke the agreement on Mullaperiyar Dam with the Tamil Nadu Government, if the ongoing efforts to resolve the issue through negotiations failed.

Replying to a Calling Attention moved by Mr K M Mani of Kerala Congress (M), he said the government would consider all legal and technical aspects besides the views of the Opposition before taking a decision on the issue.

Expressing confidence that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would favorably consider the state's request on the issue, the Minister said a final decision would be taken only after convening an all party meeting.

He said the decision to revoke the agreement cannot be taken in haste as it would effect the talks between the states and complicate the issue.

However, the government would go for stringent action, if the neighbouring state did not come to a consensus, he added.

Later, at a news conference Committee on Petitions Chairman Mons Joseph said it had recommended to the government to suspend the existing agreement with Tamil Nadu as it was not acceptable to Kerala.

The Committee also recommended the construction of a new dam with modern technology taking into consideration the fact it was a quake-prone area and steps for renewing the agreement protecting the interests of both the states.

Mr Mons said the committee had also stressed on the need for installing a seismograph permanently in the area considering the possibility of earthquakes.

Reasonable charges should be fixed for both the water and electricity generated thereof from Tamil Nadu, he added.

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