Mullaperiyar: Kerala to hold all party meeting on Nov 26

An all-party meeting has been convened by the state cabinet on November 26 to discuss the situation arising out of increase in water level at Mullaperiyar dam at Idukki to nearly 142 feet, causing concern to people living downstream.
The cabinet reviewed the situation in Kerala with the water level nearing the 142-feet mark and decided to inform the Centre of the state's demand to maintain the level at 136 feet.
Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Minister for Information K C Joseph said the all-party meeting has been convened on Nov 26 to discuss the issue.
The cabinet was of the view that apart from taking into account the fear and anxiety of people downstream, the rise in water level would affect flora and fauna and the forest ecosystem, he said.

Joseph said the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests has been directed to visit the spot and submit a report on the environmental impact as water level had increased in two days.
The issues related to Mullaperiyar was discussed at the conference of Members of Parliament from Kerala held here today in the wake of coming Parliament session, he said.

The MP's were told to take up the issue in Parliament and also bring to the Centre's attention the concern and anxiety of the people of Kerala, he said.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu have for long been at loggerheads over the water level in the dam.

Kerala has been insisting that the level be maintained at 136 feet while Tamil Nadu wanted to increase it to 142 feet. Tamil Nadu takes water from the reservoir for irrigation purposes in five districts.
The Supreme Court had earlier this year rejected Kerala's demand for a new dam in place of the old dam and upheld Tamil Nadu's stand to peg the water level upto 142 feet.
A review petition filed by Kerala against that order is pending before the apex Court.