JOIN US The CPI(M) led LDF government in Kerala today said it favoured construction of a new dam in place of the existing Mullaperiyar reservoir, which is a bone of contention with neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
In reply to an unstarred question in the assembly, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the new government's policy was also for construction of new dam by examining the legal and technical feasibility.
The government would protect the interest of the state completely and ensure the safety of the life and assests of its people, he said.
"To ensure this, its stand is for construction of a new dam by examing technical and legal aspects", Vijayan added.
The previous government also stood for a new dam and the state assembly had unanimously passed three resolutions for taking steps for construction of a new dam, in place of the century-old reservoir, it was pointed out.
The resolutions were passed in 2009, 2012 and in 2014, it was stated. Kerala and Tamil Nadu have for long been at loggerheads over raising the water level of the dam.
The Supreme Court on May 2, 2014 had held that the 120 year old dam is safe and allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 feet.
It had struck down a law promulgated by Kerala, declaring the dam as endangered and fixing the water level at 136 feet.
The dam was built pursuant to the Periyar Lake Lease Agreement of October 29, 1886 across Periyar river.
It is situated in Thekkady district in Kerala and is owned and operated by Tamil Nadu government.