Kerala decides to replace Mullaperiyar dam with a new one

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 14 (UNI) Kerala today decided to go ahead with the construction of a new dam at Mullaperiyar, replacing the 111-year-old dam, which has been a contentious issue between Kerala and neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

''The Cabinet decided to construct a new dam in place of the existing Mullaperiyar dam. The irrigation department has been asked to prepare a project report on this,'' Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told reporters after a Cabinet meeting here.

The dam would be constructed at the site which was recommended by the Central Water Commission in 1979, he said.

A team of officials from Tamil Nadu and Kerala had earlier identified the location downstream, near the present dam earlier.

The issue had run into a legal fight between the two States.

While Kerala wanted the water level at the Mullaperiyar to be maintained at 136 feet, Tamil Nadu insisted it to be raised to 142 feet to draw more water for irrigation purposes.

The Cabinet also decided to convene a special Assembly session from September four to 20 to enact a legislation, Mr Achuthanandan said and added about 14 Ordinances would be taken up during the session.

Regarding the Smart City IT park at Kochi, he said the government had given a go ahead for the Article of Association and Memorandum of Association.

When asked about laying the foundation stone for the Smart City, he said the date would be finalised later. A decision was expected from the TECOM, which had been entrusted with the development of the IT park.

It was also decided to acquire land on fast track mode for the Kannur Airport and complete the process within six months. A separate cell would be established at Kasargode for the people infected by the toxic insecticide Enposulfan.

The Cabinet decided to give weightage to candidates, who possessed NCC certificates, in Fireforce and Excise.

Mr Achuthanandan said the salary ceiling of government employees for bonus benefits had been increased from Rs 5,500 to Rs 6,000.

The employees would get a salary advance of Rs 1,000 for Onam, he added.

UNI