Mullaperiyar: New dam to be built on Periyar river?

Bhopal, Dec 21: The Malayalee association in Madhya Pradesh has urged the Centre to allow Kerala to build a new dam on Periyar river as the present one has outlasted its life.

A memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was presented to Ram Naresh Yadav, state governor, said a release. It also threw light on a recent study done by IIT Roorkee which said that the Mullaperiyar dam would collapse if an earthquake of 6.5 magnitude hits it. The lifespan of the dam is estimated to be 50 years.

The study also revealed that the water level of the dam was 41.45 meter, while the full tank level stands at 46.30 meter.

The Central Water Commission suggested that the water level be kept at 41.45 meters in addition to taking other measures to strengthen the dam.

The study also unveiled that the lives of millions of people was at stake, keeping in mind the safety issues of the dam.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu booking agents association have decided to stop transportation of goods to Kerala from Dec 21. The extreme step will sure have an impact over the trade between the two states.

"Vehicles with Tamil Nadu registration plates have been subjected to attacks over the Mullaperiyar dam controversy. If goods are damaged or the vehicles are attacked by antisocial elements, the booking agents will have to bear the loss," said V Raja Vadivel, the president of the association.

"Thus we have decided to stop the booking of goods to Kerala, until the two state governments arrive at an amicable solution to the issue and ensure the safety of lorry drivers and their vehicles," he said.

OneIndia News