Today or tomorrow a new dam has to come up in Mullapperiyar, says CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Today or tomorrow, a new dam has to come up in Mullapperiyar, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The state wants it today. The lease agreement is for 999 years. Can anyone say that this will last as long as that? Briefing reporters after the cabinet meet, the chief minister said the government is ready to go forward with the construction of the new dam without failing to provide the water given to Tamil Nadu.

When pointed about centre denying environmental clearance for the new dam in Mullapperiyar, he said they had granted once but denied it later.  

When asked whether the centre has a soft approach towards Tamil Nadu, the chief minister said they too have a soft approach towards them. Five districts depend on the water from Mullapperiyar for agriculture and drinking. We don’t want to make a difference in
that. Water for Tamil Nadu and safety for Kerala are the two things which can be easily implemented without causing any difficulty for the states.

A dispute which occurs in connection with water anywhere in the world is on the quantity of water given and the time given. However, here there is no dispute in that. However, concerns on the security of the people cannot be omitted. The government will try and solve the solution without affecting the close relationship between the two. The government will go forward making the centre intervene legally. It is easy to convince anyone on the issue. When the MPs of Kerala informed things to the Lok Sabha, the speaker asked then what the dispute is. The chief minister said that he will meet union minister for irrigation in Delhi on the issue.

The chief minister today clarified that they cannot take over the national school games. There are no basic facilities to conduct the school games. Practical disruptions are there as it is the time for SSLC exams and assembly polls.  Therefore, I don’t think a favourable decision could not be taken on that.

The government today decided to take back PRD former director A Firoz, suspended in the solar case, in service. As he obtained a favourable verdict from the state administrative tribunal, that order should be executed.  Though he is taken back, where should he be appointment has not been decided, he said.