Kerala's leader of Opposition wants public debate over Athirappilly project

On the Mullaperiyar dam issue, Ramesh Chennithala said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's stand would only harm the state's interest

Amidst "differences" in the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) over implementation of a hydro-electric project in ecologically sensitive Athirappilly in Kerala, Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala today said a public debate over it was necessary to form a consensus.

Addressing a meet-the-press programme here, he said that there were differences of opinion over the project both in LDF and opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) and "the differences are more in LDF".

"In view of the differences prevailing in both the fronts, the matter should be consulted with leaders of parties and environmentalists. A unilateral decision will not benefit the state," he said.

Communist Party of India, the second largest partner in the ruling LDF, had come out against the statement of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Power Minister Kadakampally Surendran favouring the project yesterday.

On the Mullaperiyar dam issue, Chennithala said that Vijayan's stand would only harm the state's interest.

"The UDF stands by the unanimous resolution passed by the Assembly seeking construction of a new dam in place of the existing reservoir considering its safety," he said, adding that it would not be good to proceed violating the contents and spirit of the resolution.

Vijayan had said that there was no meaning for Kerala to keep "unnecessary" concern over the safety of the present more than a century-old dam.

Chennithala also said that UDF did not agree with the new government's move to wind up the Devaswom Recruitment Board, set up by the previous government.