Kerala wants to build new dam at Mullaperiyar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state has affirmed its commitment to develop a new dam at Mullaperiyar in place of the 116-year-old structure. It is based on the principle of 'water for Tamil Nadu and safety for Kerala'.

The Governor, Mr HR Bhardwaj, in his address to the legislative assembly to mark the commencement of the Budget session, has stated that the issue relating to the dam had to witness since it camew to power during May 2011.

He has stated Kerala wants to preserve and boost the long-standing cordial ties between both states and that the state is looking for an amicable resolution for the crisis.

Moreover, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has formulated a crisis management plan for the dam.

The state has been focussing on the development of a new dam. The current structure in Idukki, bordering the two States, is weak. But the state of Tamil Nadu, which receives water from the dam to irrigate five districts, has got strong opposition to this stand.

The Supreme Court of India has appointed an Empowered Committee to examine the safety and also the other aspects of the current dam.