New Delhi: The conflict between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the Mullaperiyar dam continues to escalate. Two ministers from Kerala are set to sit on day-long fast to put pressure on the Centre to intervene in the matter.
State Water Resources Minister TJ Joseph will be beginning his hunger strike in Delhi while state Finance Minister KM Mani follows suit in Idukki, the district in which the Mullaperiyar is situated.
Kerala's cabinet will be meeting to take stock of the situation. Meanwhile, MDMK leader Vaiko will be meeting the Prime Minister to put forward Tamil Nadu's position on the issue. The Attorney General is also expected to explain his comments on the dam before a Supreme Court-empowered committee.
Kerala is demanding a new dam, saying the existing one has been rendered weak by frequent earthquakes. Tamil Nadu want Prime Minister must stop Kerala from creating panic. Kerala want that height of the dam should be reduced from 132 feet to 120 feet but Tamil Nadu says increase the height of dam from 132 feet to 142 feet. Both states want Centre to intervene.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa believes Kerala is being alarmist without cause. She has written to the Prime Minister once again asking for central forces to be sent in. Jayalalithaa wrote, "I would like to bring to your notice the grave concern of my Government about the security threat to the Mullaperiyar dam. In view of the violent activities reported at the dam site, it is imperative that Central forces be deployed at the Dam immediately."
Meanwhile, Union Water Resources Ministry has called for talks between conflicting states. Tamil Nadu has decided to skip the dialogue while Kerala will attend it. Also, National Human Rights Commission will hear the petition filed by some Kerala MPs seeking its "humanitarian intervention" to save the people of Idukki who are likely to be affected if the dam bursts as apprehended.
Setting aside rivalries, the opposition DMK in Tamil Nadu is united with the government on the Mullaperiyar issue. Party chief M Karunanidhi wrote to a Supreme Court-empowered Committe.
"Implement the Supreme Court order to raise the storage from 136 feet to 142 feet. Don't accept Kerala's demand to reduce storage to 120 feet. Stop Kerala from spreading fear and panic in the minds of the people," Karunanidhi said.
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