Mullaiperiyar: Farmers' interests to be protected

Chennai, Jan 20: The Tamil Nadu Government will protect the interests of farmers of the southern districts on the contentious Mullaiperiyar Dam issue with Kerala, Governor S S Barnala told the State Assembly today.

Delivering the customary address to the State Assembly, he said though the government's policy was to maintain cordial relations with the neighbouring states, it was forced into a situation, where there was no option but to approach the Supreme Court.

As per the advice of the apex court, the government had entered into a dialogue with the Kerala Government in line with its policy to maintain cordial relationship with the neighbouring states.

Since there had been no headway in the talks, the government was forced to approach the Supreme Court to protect the interest of the farmers. ''The Government has taken all necessary steps to protect the interests of the farmers of the southern districts, in this critical issue vital for their livelihood'', he added.

UNI