Conflicts have to be avoided on river management, says CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has dispelled the notion that Kerala is  a water-abundant state. “The people should realise that every  drop of water is precious,” he told the  interstate river management committee meeting held at the Thycaud guest house  on Monday.  “The interests of the state should be protected during talks on  sharing of water  with other states,”  he said.  Conflicts between states have to be avoided and discussions should be held amicably, he said. A  panel of lawyers will be appointed in the state to help the Supreme Court lawyers handling interstate river disputes, he said.

Water Resources minister Mathew T. Thomas said  the  state wanted to get the quantity of water it deserved.  The meeting was also attended by chief secretary Nalini Netto, additional chief secretary Tinku Baswal, advocate-general C. P. Sudhakara Prasad, Supreme Court standing counsel G. Prakash, interstate river management advisory committee chairman V. J. Kurian, retired chief engineer Rema and KSEB retired chief engineer Shesha Iyer.