New Delhi:
As the hostilities over the Mullaperiyar dam escalate between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, two experts will visit the site of the dam. They are part of a committee set up by the Supreme Court to determine if the dam is safe.
The 116-year-old structure lies in the Idukki district of Kerala, but is controlled entirely by Tamil Nadu, whose farmers depend on its water in the arid region around Madurai.
Kerala believes the dam is structurally unsafe and will not withstand a major earthquake - its representatives claim more than 20 tremors have been felt in the region since July this year. So Kerala wants Tamil Nadu to first reduce the amount of water in the dam to prevent leaks and pressure on the structure, and then agree to constructing a new dam (Kerala has offered to pay all bills). Tamil Nadu has accused Kerala of trying to create panic and stir public resentment because, it alleges, Kerala wants to curtail its neighbour's share of water. And as per an earlier Supreme Court order, Tamil Nadu wants to increase how much water is stored in the dam.
A team of experts appointed by the Supreme Court is examining the contentions. Two members will inspect the dam and listen to local concerns about its safety.
Both states have asked the Prime Minister to intervene. Tamil Nadu leader and MDMK Chief Vaiko met the Prime Minister to ask him to intervene between the two warring states. "Kerala government is pressing the panic button...creating fear psychosis. Make an appeal to the people of Kerala...don't fall prey to vicious propaganda of vested interest," said Vaiko.
"The allegations of Tamil Nadu are baseless. We are holding a special session to assure Tamil Nadu they will get the same amount of water," said PJ Joesph, Kerala's Water Resource Minister.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today asked the Supreme Court to order the union government to post para-military forces at the dam. Her petition claims that activists in Kerala may try to vandalise the structure.