Kerala political parties pressing for new Mullaperiyar dam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Cutting across party lines, the entire political spectrum in Kerala on Tuesday resolved to move ahead together on the Mullaperiyar issue by pressing for a new dam and lowering the water level in the 116-year-old structure to 120 feet from 136 feet.

A resolution adopted by an all-party meet held here authorised the UDF government headed by Oommen Chandy to pursue the state's case by taking all legal and administrative measures without compromising good relations with Tamil Nadu.

Kerala government also welcomed the Centre's decision to arrange official level talks between the state and Tamil Nadu on December 15 or 16, which it felt was a positive step forward.