Mullaperiyar Dam: Vaiko begins 5-day padayatra

Madurai, Dec 18: Marumalarchi DMK (MDMK) Leader Vaiko today commenced a five-day long padayatra to Gudalur from here today demanding immediate implementation of the Supreme Court order on raising the storage level in the Mullaperiyar Dam to 142 feet from the present 136 feet.

The dam is the lifeline of five drought-prone southern districts and raising the storage as stipulated by the Apex Court would enhance water supply to Tamil Nadu by 1.52 tmcft.

The long march was aimed at demanding the Centre to take expeditious steps to implement the court order without any further delay and 'expose' the Central and State Governments for 'betraying the interests of Tamil Nadu on this important issue.' A large number of party workers and supporters gathered around the Mariamman Teppakulam from where Mr Vaiko commenced his yatra along with a group of volunteers.

Mr Vaiko is scheduled to address public meetings at many places during his 136-km march traversing through Chekkanoorani and Usilampatti in this district and Andipatti, Theni and Utthamapalayam in adjoining Theni District.

The yatra would reach Gudalur, close to Thekkady, the dam site, on December 23.

UNI