P J Joseph calls for Scientific solution of Mullaiperiyar

Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, Jan 7 (UNI) Former Kerala Minister P J Joseph caused a stir at the 94th Indian Science Congress here today when he raised the dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the Mullaiperiyar dam and made a passionate plea for a scientific solution to the problem.

At the symposium on conflict management in relation to natural resources, Mr Joseph, who was part of the audience, got to his feet to make his point when the moderator said the main speaker was agreeable for a question answer session.

Mr Joseph, who was Minister for Public Works department in Kerala till recently, said the dam was a 110 years-old earthern structure and the Centrel Water Commission had recommended in 1979 that another dam must be constructed in its place.

He said scientists should examine the safety aspects of the dam and come out with and independent assessment.

''Scientists must intervene in the issue. There are certain ground relities. Scientists should examine all the aspects. They should not hesitate to tell what the truth is. There is need for an independent assessment. Scienists must put their heads together to resolve the issue.

If the scientists recommend that it was strong enough, the dam could remain. If they recommend that it is not then another dam must be constructed.

Mr Jospeph had made a silent entry and even before the journalists could realise what was happening, he had already made an exit.

A Leader of the Kerala Congress (Joseph) group, he resigned from the left democratic Front Government on September 4 in the wake of the report of an inquiry into the allegation that he had misbehaved with a woman co-passenger on a Kochi-bodund flight from Chennai on August 3.

UNI