New Delhi:
This will come as good news for Tamil Nadu which is warring with its neighbouring state, Kerala over the Mullaperiyar Dam. Today, the five member Panel appointed by the Supreme Court to examine the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam has said that the existing dam is safe and the water level can be increased to 142 feet, which has been the key demand of Tamil Nadu.
However, the panel appointed by the apex court in its report also added that as an alternative proposal, a new dam could also be constructed, which could be viewed favourably by Kerala.
At the centre of the water wars - Mullaperiyar Dam is located in Kerala but is controlled by Tamil Nadu which uses its waters to irrigate its southern districts under a decades-old agreement. Kerala wanted the dam demolished and a new one constructed because it claimed the 116- year-old dam was unsafe, and endangered the lives of lakhs of people who live near it. Tamil Nadu argued that the concern was invalid, and that the dam was structurally safe.
Tamil Nadu also wanted to increase the amount of water that is stored in the dam. Kerala said this will put new pressure on a fragile structure.
To examine these contentions, the Supreme Court appointed a panel including experts which was to examine the safety of the dam. The Empowered Committee had sought time till April to submit its report.
The report which was submitted in a sealed envelope to the apex court will be examined on May 4.
However, the panel appointed by the apex court in its report also added that as an alternative proposal, a new dam could also be constructed, which could be viewed favourably by Kerala.
At the centre of the water wars - Mullaperiyar Dam is located in Kerala but is controlled by Tamil Nadu which uses its waters to irrigate its southern districts under a decades-old agreement. Kerala wanted the dam demolished and a new one constructed because it claimed the 116- year-old dam was unsafe, and endangered the lives of lakhs of people who live near it. Tamil Nadu argued that the concern was invalid, and that the dam was structurally safe.
Tamil Nadu also wanted to increase the amount of water that is stored in the dam. Kerala said this will put new pressure on a fragile structure.
To examine these contentions, the Supreme Court appointed a panel including experts which was to examine the safety of the dam. The Empowered Committee had sought time till April to submit its report.
The report which was submitted in a sealed envelope to the apex court will be examined on May 4.
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