Parties in Kerala to stay united on dam issue

Cutting across party lines, the entire political spectrum in Kerala today 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 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.

The meeting was attended by CPI(M) stalwart VS Achuthanandan and leaders of constituents of ruling Congress-led UDF, opposition CPI(M)-led LDF as well as BJP.

Briefing reporters on the outcome of the meeting, held ahead of the one-day assembly session on the dam issue, Chandy said the leaders wanted people to exercise utmost restraint during the protest over the issue as the state valued its relations with Tamil Nadu greatly.

Taking into account the serious concern voiced by opposition parties over certain controversial submissions made by Advocate General K P Dandapani in the High Court, Chandy said he had assured the meeting that the government would take all steps on the issue after examining them in detail.

The meeting reiterated Kerala's slogan "water for Tamil Nadu and safety for Kerala".

Chandy said Kerala was ready to give any undertaking that Tamil Nadu would continue to get the same quantum of water even if a new dam was built.