In its review petition, the state to reiterate its position, safety for Kerala and water for TN
Mullaperiyar Dam. (Photo: DC/File)
Thiruvananthapuram: The state government will file a petition in the Supreme Court on the Mullaperiyar issue seeking a review of the verdict that allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level in the dam to 142 feet and quashed the legislation passed by the state government in 2006 declaring the dam unsafe.
“Yes we will file the petition by June 30 after seeking the opinion of legal experts,’’ Irrigation Minister P.J. Joseph told reporters here on Tuesday.
An all-party meeting held here on May 12 had asked the government to go for a review petition in the apex court. The state’s main contention is that the court had not taken into consideration the safety concerns of the people living in five downstream districts.
In its review petition, the state plans to reiterate its position, safety for Kerala and water for Tamil Nadu. It would point out that the Mullaperiyar agreement was signed for 999 years and only 119 years had passed so far. Hence a new dam would be required soon. Considering the apprehension among the people, the state’s view is that the new dam should be constructed at the earliest.
It will also emphasise that nearly 40 lakh people living in five districts had serious apprehensions regarding the safety of the dam once the water level is raised to 142 feet.
Water tariff: Mr Joseph said the government was planning to raise the water tariff.
“We have asked officials of the Kerala Water Authority to submit a detailed report and a decision will be taken shortly. But the hike would not unbearable for consumes,’’ the minister said.
( Source : dc correspondent )
Next Story
