CMs disagree on dam formula, but will talk again
The Centre-initiated meeting between the chief ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu on the long-pending Mullaperiyar dam dispute on Monday expectedly ended without any breakthrough, reports Our Delhi Bureau.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: The Centre-initiated meeting between the chief ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu on the long-pending Mullaperiyar dam dispute on Monday expectedly ended without any breakthrough, reports Our Delhi Bureau.
However, an agreement was reached to keep open the channels of communication by fixing a meeting of the irrigation ministers and technical experts of the two sides within a fortnight.
Both the chief ministers stuck to their positions. While M Karunanidhi was lukewarm to the Kerala proposal to construct a new dam to replace the “111-year- old construction”, VS Achuthanandan cold-shouldered the plea to raise the water level at the dam.
However, the chief ministers showed some element of tolerance to each others’ views, allowing the meeting to proceed without verbal fireworks.The meeting was held in the presence of Union water resources minister Saifuddin Soz.
During the 90-minute meeting, held in the presence of Union water resources minister Saifuddin Soz, both sides put forward their apprehensions and views before agreeing on letting the irrigation ministers meet to carry forward the dialogue process and try to narrow down differences.
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At the end of the meeting, Mr Achuthanandan said, "The talks were effective and cordial. We put forward our concerns on the safety of the dam. The status quo will be maintained for the time being."On his part, Mr Karunanidhi said, "It cannot be a mega serial but also not a short story," while adding that he was hoping for an amicable solution. He also said any elaboration on the discussion would hamper the proposed talks between Irrigation Ministers. "There is no time frame fixed for resolving the issue. Let us hope for the best," he added.
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