Chennai:
J Jayalalithaa has told the Prime Minister that he must stop any activity at the Mullaperiyar Dam that violates Tamil Nadu's rights. Her complaint alleges that the government of Kerala is trying to install technology at the dam to monitor water levels, and that the centre has sanctioned this move. Ms Jayalalithaa said "Any unilateral action without Tamil Nadu's consent is against federalism."
The dam which is located in Kerala but caters to the farmers of Tamil Nadu has escalated into a point of serious dispute between the two states. The Supreme Court is handling the case. Kerala wants the dam demolished because it claims the over 100-year-old dam is unsafe, and endangers the lives of lakhs of people who live near it. Tamil Nadu says that concern is invalid, and that the dam is structurally safe. An expert committee nominated by the Supreme Court has inspected the dam.
Tamil Nadu wants to increase the amount of water that is stored in the dam. Kerala says this will put new pressure on a fragile structure.