Dam row: Kerala AG to brief state cabinet

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 7: With the Mullaperiyar dam issue continuing to dominate Kerala's agenda, state Advocate General K P Dhandpani is today (Dec 7) expected to explain to the cabinet his position on the controversy generated by some submissions made by him in the high court on the matter.

As campaigns are on in full swing in Idukki district where the dam is located, CPI(M) veteran V S Achuthanandan is holding a one-day fast at Vandiperiyar, pledging solidarity with the agitation for a new dam and lowering the water level in the 116-year-old reservoir.

Opposition parties have demanded action against Dhandapani, alleging that his submissions had in effect weakened the state's case that the condition of the dam was very precarious and its collapse could pose a dire threat to over three million people.

On his part, Dhandapani had clarified that he had not done any damage on the matter and his statements had been misquoted and misinterpreted by a section of the media.

Chief minister Oommen Chandy had last week asked him to appear before the cabinet and explain his position, apparently to douse the rage of not only the Opposition, but sections in the ruling UDF itself.

At the all-party meet, Chandy had assured the leaders that the government would take required action to "clear confusions" over the issue.

PTI