TN CM refutes Kerala's claim on Mullaperiyar

Chennai, Apr 1 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today termed as ''contrary to truth'' his Kerala counterpart V S Achuthanandan's claim that an Experts Committee constituted by the Centre had recommended construction of a new dam at Mullaperiyar.

The experts committee had only certified that the present dam was strong and water could be stored upto 142 ft. It had not made any recommendation with regard to a new dam, the TN CM said in a statement here.

He said Mr Achuthanandan, who met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi yesterday in connection with the Mullaperiyar issue, had also told reporters that both Tamil Nadu and Kerala had agreed to the Committee's suggestion for construction of a new dam.

''It is totally contrary to truth,'' he added.

Mr Karunanidhi also said the information that Prime Minister had not agreed to Kerala's proposal had offered relief.

UNI