Oomen Chandy seeks Tamil Nadu CM’s intervention on Mulaperiyar Dam

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday sought his Tamilnadu counterpart O Panneerselvam’s intervention in directing officials to take all measures for increasing the rate of withdrawal from Mulaperiyar Dam in the wake of rising water levels.

 

In a letter, Mr Chandy noted that such a step would help reduce water level in the dam and also allay the apprehensions of people residing in the area. He said the water level had risen to 139.50 feet on Friday morning. The Chief Minister said one of the thirteen spillway gates had got damaged and the repair works were going on for the last two weeks.

 

“North East monsoon is active and heavy rains can be expected any time. In the above background the increased storage level has caused serious concern and anxiety among people living downstream,” he said. Mr Chandy said it was true that two states had difference of opinion regarding safety aspects of  Mullaperiyar dam. But the present situation demands prudent action on your part to allay the fears and apprehensions in the minds of people living downstream. 

 

He said the present crisis can be resolved by increasing the discharge through the tunnel to the maximum so that the water level is brought down below 136 feet within 4-5 days.