'Efforts to build new dam at Mullaperiyar by Kerala'

NDA constituent PMK and Vaiko-led MDMK today alleged that Kerala had taken up efforts to construct a new dam at Mullaperiyar, insisting that this would "jeopardise" inter-state relations and urged the Centre to intervene.
Kerala "has once again started conducting studies for construction of a new dam at Mullaperiyar. This has created fear and anxiety among farmers," PMK founder S Ramadoss said.
This initiative will "jeopardise inter-state relationship and is condemnable," he said in a statement.
Ramadoss recalled that the Supreme Court had in May last year allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the storage level to 142 feet and later to 152 feet after completion of maintenance work.

The court had ruled that the existing dam was "strong enough" and that the need for a new dam did not arise.
Kerala now "disregarded" the Apex Court verdict and was trying to conduct an environment study "quoting a very old permission letter" from the Environment Ministry, he said.

"Kerala should respect the Supreme court judgement and the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu and stop the feasibility survey," he said and urged the Centre and Tamil Nadu government to take all steps to stop the neighbouring state's efforts.
MDMK founder Vaiko, whose party is a former ally of the ruling BJP at the Centre, said the Narendra Modi government was supportive of Kerala's efforts.

Kerala was not abiding by the Supreme Court verdict on this issue and this was "condemnable", he said and sought the Centre's intervention to stop Kerala from proceeding further.