Kerala assembly adopts resolution for building new dam at Mullaperiyar

KOCHI: Kerala assembly adopted a unanimous resolution on Friday for building a new dam at Mullaperiyar in place of the existing 116-year-old dam.

The specially convened session of the assembly to discuss the Mullaperiyar issue adopted the resolution for keeping the water level at the reservoir at 120 ft. At present, the maximum permissible water level is 136 ft.

The assembly also decided to continue providing water to Tamil Nadu at the existing level even after building a new dam.

The resolution moved by Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy asked the Centre and the state government to take steps for building a new dam and reiterated the state's commitment to provide the same quantum of water to TN after its construction.

The chief minister said that the state wants to maintain cordial relationship with Tamil Nadu. He said that the issues between the two states regarding the dam can be settled through peaceful dialogues.

"By passing a unanimous resolution to provide the same quantum of water to Tamil Nadu even after the new dam has been built the Kerala assembly is sending out a positive message to both Centre and Tamil Nadu," said Congress message MLA V D Satheesan. He said that new initiative would pave way for a dialogue between the two states.

An official level talk between both the states has been scheduled for next week. The meeting has been called by the Union water resources ministry as per the instructions of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Meanwhile, there are reports that TN would withdraw from the talks.