MK plays down Kerala allocation to build new Mullaiperiyar dam

Chennai: The Kerala government’s allocation of Rs 100 crore for building a new dam in place of the existing Mullaiperiyar dam came in for sharp attacks from MDMK leader Vaiko and PMK founder S Ramadoss.

However, DMK chief M Karunanidhi, who renewed ties with the Congress party which rules in Keralam said it is upto the Tamil Nadu government to give a suitable reply.

In his customary question and answers in party organ Murasol’, Karunanidhi, referring to the Kerala government’s action, said newspapers had given such a report.  “I hope that Tamil Nadu rulers will give a suitable reply during their interim budget on February 16”.

Vaiko said the allocation in the Kerala government’s budget is against the Supreme Court verdict allowing the storage of water to 142 feet and urged the Centre to advise the Kerala government to implement the judgment of the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court.

He also pointed out that the court had quashed the Kerala government’s legislation stating that it violated the Constitution. The Bench also formed a three-member committee to maintain the Mullaiperiyar dam, Vaiko added.

Ramadoss alleged that the ruling Congress in Kerala was trying to raise the Mullaiperiyar dam issue for political gains as the elections are approaching. The Supreme Court had stated that the Mullaiperiyar dam is strong and had allowed the water level to be raised to 152 feet after the renovation works of the Baby dam are completed

The Mullaiperiyar is a closed issue as storage level had been raised to 142 feet and actions are being taken to strengthen the Baby dam and raise the water level to 152 feet. When there is no chance of building a new dam, the Kerala Chief Minister’s announcement is aimed at political gains in the forthcoming Assembly elections, he alleged.