SC rejects Kerala's plea in Mullaperiyar case

The Supreme Court today rejected the Kerala government's plea seeking clarification on its earlier verdict allowing the Tamil Nadu government to raise the water level to 142 ft in the controversial Mullaperiyar dam.

Kerala, in the plea, had said that though it did not object to raising the water level, it needed clarification on the terms and conditions for doing so.

It had also demanded that the water level be raised only if the Vaigai dam in Tamil Nadu is filled to its total capacity.

The Supreme Court in May last had allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the level to 142 feet, rejecting Kerala's objections.

The two states have been at loggerheads over increasing the water level in the dam, which irrigates five southern districts in Tamil Nadu, from 136 feet to 142 feet. Kerala had objected to it on grounds of safety of the structure. Tamil Nadu had raised the water level to 136 ft during the last monsoon season and is now keen to raise the level to 142 ft during this monsoon season.

Kerala in its plea also said the water level should not be raised if any of the 14 shutters were dysfunctional. The state also demanded that the water level be reduced step by step if it goes above the 142-ft mark. The court has rejected all these demands.

In the plea, Kerala reinstated its request that any action should be taken after considering the safety of the people of the state. Mohan Katarki and Rajeev Dhavan appeared for Kerala in the case.

The plea was considered by a bench chaired by the Chief Justice.

TN moves SC seeking CISF deployment at dam
The Supreme Court today sought Centre's response on a plea by Tamil Nadu government seeking deployment of CISF for protection of Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala.

The security of the dam is presently with the Kerala government.

A bench comprising Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice A K Sikri issued notice to the Centre and posted the matter after four weeks. pTI