Periyar Dam: Kerala warned of massive agitation

Theni, Tamil Nadu, Feb 23 (UNI) Warning Kerala of a massive agitation, and protesting its intransigence in complying with the Supreme Court order, directing immediate raising of storage in the Periyar Dam to 142 ft, Tamil Nationalist Movement leader Pazha Nedumaran today accused the Centre of abdicating its responsibility.

Kerala should be prepared to face the consequences of refusing to abide by the court order, he said while addressing a public meeting in the course of the five-day padayatra from Ramanathapuram to Gudalur to press for expeditious implementation of the verdict, given in February this year.

An economic blockade against Kerala, by mobilising the farmers in the Periyar-Vaigai basin districts, was being planned and a conference to chalk of strategies would be held on March 31 at Madurai, he said.

Criticising Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan for his adamant stand on the issue, he reminded that Kerala was dependent upon Tamil Nadu for foodgrains and essentials besides vegetables and milk. It was highly ironic that Kerala, enjoying the produce from the basin districts, was resisting raising the storage level, which was the right of these farmers.

According to a conservative estimate more than 700 tonnes of rice was officially transported to Kerala from this state daily, it was pointed out.

Mr Nedumaran, Convenor of the Periyar Dam Rights Retrieval Committee, called upon the farmers to intensify the struggle as the issue concerned their rights and not the benevolence of Kerala.

The long-march, inaugurated by Thol Thirumavalavan at Ramanathapuram on February 20, after traversing through many towns in the basin districts, would conclude at Gudalur, close to the dam site at Thekkady, tomorrow.

UNI