Kottayam:
Amid reports that the Supreme Court Empowered Committee on Mullaperiyar had found that the 119-year-old Mullaperiyar dam was safe, Kerala Water Resources Minister PJ Joseph on Saturday maintained that a new dam was the only solution to the long dispute with Tamil Nadu.
A group of protesters marched to the residence of panel member, former supreme court Judge KT Thomas in Kottayam, alleging that he did not support the state's cause.
Talking to reporters, Mr Joseph said the state government stood firm by the resolution passed by the Kerala assembly which held that a new dam was essential to ensure security of the people as the existing structure was unsafe.
Mr Joseph also made comments against Justice Thomas alleging that he did not support the state's cause.
Reacting sharply to the minister's comment, Mr Thomas said that Mr Joseph was making statements without studying the contents of the report and his criticism was uncalled for.
Mr Thomas said Mr Joseph was trying to whip up sentiments over the issue by making wrong statements and he would bring the matter to the attention of the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, a march was taken out to Mr Thomas's residence in the town by activists of 'Mullaperiyar Samara Samiti' alleging that he had betrayed the state's cause. The march was stopped by police before it reached the residence.
While Tamil Nadu has been maintaining that the dam was "absolutely safe" and the water level can be raised to 142 ft, Kerala has been insisting that it be maintained at 136 feet, besides a new dam to replace the existing structure.