Heated exchanges between DMK Govt, Oppn AIADMK in Assembly

Chennai, Jan 24 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Assembly today witnessed heated exchanges between the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and the Opposition AIADMK over inter-state water disputes, including the vexed one on Mullaiperiyar.

Mr P K Sekar Babu (AIADMI), participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor for his address, triggered the exchanges when he accused the DMK Government of failing to protect the interests of State despite favourable court orders.

He said despite Supreme Court order allowing Tamil Nadu to raise the water-level in the Mullaiperiyar Dam from 136 feet to 142 feet, the DMK Government failed to take steps to protect the interest of the State.

Twice the dam had received copious inflow, but the DMK government instead of raising the water-level, allowed the excess water to flow into the sea.

Retorting, Public Works Minister Duraimurugan said the AIADMK was in power when the apex court gave the order and asked why it remained silent without implementing the order raising the water - level.

Intervening, Deputy Leader of the Opposition O Panneerselvam, who was the Former Public Works Minsiter, said the apex court order on Mullaiperiyar Dam came in February 2006 and the government could not do anything as the code of conduct for the Assembly elections came with effect from March one.

He said why the DMK which came to power did not take steps to get the water-level increased.

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