TN Assembly resolution urges Centre to 'keep in abeyance' Dam Safety bill

The Tamil Nadu Assembly today adopted a "unanimous" resolution urging the Centre to "keep in abeyance" all efforts towards enacting the Dam Safety Bill 2018 and called for evolving a consensus on the matter with all states.

A special government resolution moved by Chief Minister K Palaniswami in the state Assembly received the full support of the DMK-led opposition, even as the resolution highlighted possible "problems" that could crop up over the operation and maintenance of dams by Tamil Nadu located in other states.

In his remarks before moving the resolution, Palaniswami recalled late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's opposition to earlier draft bills on the issue, and said the latest bill could affect operation and maintenance of dams including the Mullaperiyar located in neighbouring Kerala.

The resolution moved by Palaniswami said the Dam Safety Bill 2018 had provisions that could "affect Tamil Nadu's rights" as well as impact the operation and maintenance of dams located in other states.

"This House urges the Centre to keep in abeyance all efforts towards enacting the proposed Dam Safety Bill (2018) into a law till states are consulted and a consensus evolved," the resolution said.

DMK Deputy Leader Durai Murugan, who spoke on the resolution, said the bill was "yet another proof that Centre is acting in an authoritarian manner," and welcomed and supported the resolution on behalf of his party.

DMK's allies-- Congress and IUML, also expressed their support to the government on the matter.

Later, after going for a voice vote, Speaker P Dhanapal said the resolution was "unanimously adopted."