Mullaperiyar issue: Kerala seeks Centre's intervention

It also seeks presidential reference to the apex court to address its anxiety over the issue

In the wake of the Supreme Court rejecting Kerala's contention in the dispute with Tamil Nadu over the Mullaperiyar dam, the state today sought Centre's mediation and a presidential reference to the apex court to address its anxiety over the issue.

A Substantive Motion unanimously adopted by the Kerala Assembly, moved by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy voicing the state's deep concern over the safety of the 119-year-old dam, urged the Centre's mediatory initiative to bring about a settlement between the two neighouring states on building a new dam.

The debate on the "serious situation arising out of the Supreme Court judgement" was sought at the outset by Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan as a submission.

After a three-hour discussion, during which members from both the ruling Congress-led UDF and opposition LDF spearheaded by CPI(M), shared similar concern, the Chief Minister moved the substantive motion under rule 275 of the Rules of Procedures of the House.

The motion wanted the Centre to mediate to bring about an agreement between the two states on building a new dam.

It also urged the President to refer the matter to the Supreme Court under Article 143 of the Constitution in view of the threat the structure posed to the safety of life and property of about four million people living in the downstream districts.