Congress, DMK conspiring against Tamil Nadu on dam issue: Jayalalithaa

Dindigul: AIADMK supremo and chief minister J. Jayalalithaa accused the Congress led UPA and also the DMK of “conspiring” against the interest of people of Tamil Nadu on the century old Mullaiperiyar dam, the lifeline for five districts in the southern Tamil Nadu.

Ms Jayalalithaa chose to target the two parties on the issue while campaigning for the AIADMK here on Tuesday. The reservoir, though located in Idukki district of Kerala, bordering southern TN, is being maintained by Tamil Nadu. Charging the Congress and the DMK of “working against” people’s interest, she said the DMK was “silent” spectator when the Centre showed bias towards Kerala.

“With an eye on the election, the DMK has in its election manifesto promised to raise the water level in Mullaiperiyar dam to 152 ft in line with a Supreme Court order. Is this not another farce enacted by the DMK on the issue,” the chief minister asked. Recalling that on February 27, 2006, the Supreme Court delivered verdict in favour of Tamil Naud, following submission of her government, Ms. Jayalalithaa said the court allowed the raising of the water level to 142 ft from 136 ft and subsequently to 152 ft following strengthening of the reservoir and expert analysis.

But, Kerala enacted a legislation to circumvent the apex court ruling, restricting water level at 136 feet. Her government challenged this move and the case was pending before the Supreme Court. She sought to know what the Karunanidhi-led government had done while in power in the state between 2006-11 besides being part of the coalition at the Centre for 17 years till 2013, to raise the water level.

After coming to power in 2011, her government expedited steps to ensure Tamil Nadu’s rights on the dam were upheld. A special session of the Assembly was convened to oppose Kerala Assembly resolution seeking to decrease the water level to 120 ft. She promised to continue with all efforts to uphold Tamil Nadu’s welfare on the issue.