Expert panel inspects Mullaperiyar Dam

Theni, Tamil Nadu, Apr 28 (UNI) The expert panel, constituted by the Tamil Nadu government, today visited the 110-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam at Thekkady.

The panel, in order to ascertain various safety parameters, carried out inspections at the dam site till this afternoon.

Besides the main dam, the team visited the shutters and Baby Dam.

The five-member committee, headed by dam expert R K Sharma of Delhi, a former director of the National Water Development Agency, was accompanied by a group of engineers from the Public Works Department.

The other team members included Mr Agarwal and Mr Jatane from Uttar Pradesh, Mr Sahu from Orissa and Mr Subba Rao from Andhra Pradesh.

Yesterday, the members of the panel held discussions with officials, especially those in-charge of the Periyar Irrigation Division.

The members were briefed about the extensive works carried out to strengthen the main dam and the Kerala government's non-cooperation in carrying out strengthening works at the Baby Dam.

Meanwhile, the local BJP unit staged a demonstration against the panel's visit and the mediapersons were denied access to cover the visit.

UNI