Kerala to go ahead with new dam in Mullapperiyar
Thiruvananthapuram, July 23: Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told the State Assembly today that his government would go ahead with the proposal to construct a new dam replacing the century-old Mullapperiyar dam.
Replying to a spate of submissions by members from both the Treasury and Opposition benches, he said the government was awaiting order of the Supreme Court which was expected to consider the case tomorrow.
The Central Water Commission had recommended construction of an alternative dam to the existing dam way back in 1979, he said and alleged that the neighbouring state (Tamil Nadu) was raising ''cruel arguements'' against the proposal.
Sharing concern of the members, the Chief Minister said the life and property of hundreds of thousands of people would be in danger if anything happened to the existing dam.
He said Central assistance would also be sought for construction of the new dam.
Earlier, Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran said a preliminary project report had been prepared for construction of a new dam.
A disaster management plan had also been prepared to deal with the situation, if anything happened to the existing dam whose water level had increased beyond 135 feet following heavy rain in the catchment areas.
Even though the Mullapperiyar dam is located in Idukki district of Kerala, its water was being utilised by Tamil Nadu as per a long standing agreement between the two states.
UNI