Worried over the Mullaperiyar dam row, former president A P J Abdul Kalam today said that the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu should meet on the issue at the earliest and come up with an amicable settlement.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at Sanik School at nearby Kazhakkoottam, Kalam said the two CMs should take an objective view of various aspects of the issue during the meeting.
“The foremost thing is that the two Chief Ministers meet and chalk out an amicable settlement. The meeting should discuss the cost, benefit and safety of the dam”, Kalam said.
He further added that the terms between the people of the two states should not be broken over such an issue.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Kerala fumes over Chidambaram's Mullaperiyar dam statement
Irrespective of party affiliations, political leaders in Kerala Saturday slammed union Home Minister P. Chidamabram's purported statement on the Mullaperiyar dam.
State Water Resources Minister P.J. Joseph demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should dismiss Chidamabaram on the grounds of his violating the oath of secrecy. "Chidamabaram has made a senseless statement and I wonder if he is in his proper senses.
How can a federal minister make such a remark when more than four million people in the five districts surrounding the Mullaperiyar dam live in fear. Does this mean that scientists at the IIT Roorkee and Delhi do not know what they reported on the condition of the leaking dam? This is highly deplorable," said Joseph.
Chidamabaram, while speaking at a public meeting in Chennai, reportedly said that Kerala is raking up the Mullaperiyar dam issue just because of a coming by-election, and once it is over, than the problem also will end. He also said that in February, the apex court is to give its verdict and there is no doubt that it would favour Tamil Nadu. Veteran Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran also attacked Chidambaram's statement.
State Water Resources Minister P.J. Joseph demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should dismiss Chidamabaram on the grounds of his violating the oath of secrecy. "Chidamabaram has made a senseless statement and I wonder if he is in his proper senses.
How can a federal minister make such a remark when more than four million people in the five districts surrounding the Mullaperiyar dam live in fear. Does this mean that scientists at the IIT Roorkee and Delhi do not know what they reported on the condition of the leaking dam? This is highly deplorable," said Joseph.
Chidamabaram, while speaking at a public meeting in Chennai, reportedly said that Kerala is raking up the Mullaperiyar dam issue just because of a coming by-election, and once it is over, than the problem also will end. He also said that in February, the apex court is to give its verdict and there is no doubt that it would favour Tamil Nadu. Veteran Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran also attacked Chidambaram's statement.
Chidambaram withdraws comment on Mullaperiyar dam
Following a furore in Kerala over his remarks on the Mullaperiyar dam issue, Union home minister P Chidambaram was quick to douse the fire admitting that his "passing reference" to a bypoll fever was "unnecessary".
"Like some other speakers, I also made a passing reference to the forthcoming byelection. I take back that remark. That reference was not necessary and it was not my intention to hurt the feelings of anyone," Chidambaram said in a statement issued on Sunday.
"I continue to believe that the issue must be resolved in a spirit of cooperation and brotherhood between the people of the two States," he added.
At a function organised by the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee in Chennai on Saturday, Chidambaram freely aired his views on the Mullaperiyar issue, expressing hope that the Supreme Court verdict on the dam imbroglio would be in Tamil Nadu's favour.
Also referring to reports that Kerala's protests over the dam had much to do with a by-poll scheduled there, Chidambaram said, "It is not a fear that came about suddenly, but a fear because of a byelection." The Minister was referring to the by-poll in Piravom constituency which falls within Ernakulam district and the schedule for which is yet to be announced.
But Chidambaram's remarks, coming in the midst of violence and tension in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala and the aggressive posturing of political leaders in both the states over the Mullaperiyar dam, evoked loud response from Kerala. Chief minister Oomen Chandy reacted sharply threatening to take up the matter with the Congress high command. "What he had said should not have been said. As a national leader and as a Union Minister, his statement cannot be approved under any circumstances," Chandy said.
Chidambaram appealed to the people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to read the whole of his speech delivered at a Congress party function, "which has been extensively reported" in the media. "I appealed to everyone that we must act with dignity, restraint and patience. I said that fears over the safety of the dam were not justified but it was our duty to allay the apprehensions on the safety of the dam," Chidambaram said in his statement.
He said the safety of the dam was the concern of not only Kerala but also Tamil Nadu, because Tamil Nadu was dependent on the water from the dam. "I also appealed to everyone to await the report of the three-judge panel and the decision of the Supreme Court," he said.
"Like some other speakers, I also made a passing reference to the forthcoming byelection. I take back that remark. That reference was not necessary and it was not my intention to hurt the feelings of anyone," Chidambaram said in a statement issued on Sunday.
"I continue to believe that the issue must be resolved in a spirit of cooperation and brotherhood between the people of the two States," he added.
At a function organised by the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee in Chennai on Saturday, Chidambaram freely aired his views on the Mullaperiyar issue, expressing hope that the Supreme Court verdict on the dam imbroglio would be in Tamil Nadu's favour.
Also referring to reports that Kerala's protests over the dam had much to do with a by-poll scheduled there, Chidambaram said, "It is not a fear that came about suddenly, but a fear because of a byelection." The Minister was referring to the by-poll in Piravom constituency which falls within Ernakulam district and the schedule for which is yet to be announced.
But Chidambaram's remarks, coming in the midst of violence and tension in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala and the aggressive posturing of political leaders in both the states over the Mullaperiyar dam, evoked loud response from Kerala. Chief minister Oomen Chandy reacted sharply threatening to take up the matter with the Congress high command. "What he had said should not have been said. As a national leader and as a Union Minister, his statement cannot be approved under any circumstances," Chandy said.
Chidambaram appealed to the people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to read the whole of his speech delivered at a Congress party function, "which has been extensively reported" in the media. "I appealed to everyone that we must act with dignity, restraint and patience. I said that fears over the safety of the dam were not justified but it was our duty to allay the apprehensions on the safety of the dam," Chidambaram said in his statement.
He said the safety of the dam was the concern of not only Kerala but also Tamil Nadu, because Tamil Nadu was dependent on the water from the dam. "I also appealed to everyone to await the report of the three-judge panel and the decision of the Supreme Court," he said.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Mullaperiyar Dam disaster
One shake on earth!
One movement on a silent night
Going to change the lives of people in 10 districts
Wake up our dear ones in Tamilnadu
We are Indians!
We won’t let you die thirst!
And we wish, you won’t let us die drowned!!!
One movement on a silent night
Going to change the lives of people in 10 districts
Wake up our dear ones in Tamilnadu
We are Indians!
We won’t let you die thirst!
And we wish, you won’t let us die drowned!!!
Rebuild Mullaperiyar Dam, Save Millions
Calling public attention to millions of lives.
Calling public attention to millions of lives.
Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala (India) is a composite gravity dam which lost of much of its strength due to continuous leaching of lime from its core. This dam is situated in an active fault zone, which makes the dam vulnerable to failure in an earthquake of moderate intensity with an epicenter close to the dam. Also the high hazard this dam poses a direct threat to the lives and property of 35 lakhs people living downstream and also a threat to the mega storage Idukki reservoir. Hence Mullaperiyar dam has no parallels and considering its age, deterioration and high hazard nature, must be decommissioned and a new dam must be built.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Kerala, TN members clash in RS over Mullaperiyar Dam issue
Members from Kerala and Tamil Nadu clashed in the Rajya Sabha over Mullaperiyar dam controversy, seeking Centre's intervention in resolving the contentious issue.
Members from Tamil Nadu, cutting across party lines, said the 116-year-old dam was safe and demanded its water level be raised to 142 ft level, while those from Kerala said it was a question of life and death of the people in the state and their safety should not be compromised with.
Raising the issue during Zero House, AIADMK leader V. Maitreyan said the Kerala government was spreading rumours on the safety of the dam, despite the Supreme Court declaring it safe.
"The Government of Kerala is creating panic and rumour among its people... it said 22 tremors occurred in last two months, which is blatantly untrue. There have been only four tremors last year," he said seeking Centre's intervention in raising the water level of the dam, which he said was affecting the crops in Tamil Nadu.
Echoing similar sentiments, DMK leader Tiruchi Siva said the dam was strong enough and safe, as has been certified, and sought raising of its water level.
"All apprehensions that it falls under seismic zone are baseless... Some miscreants are trying to damage the dam. We have already demanded that CISF be deployed there...We seek the intervention of the Centre to increase the capacity of water to 142 ft," he said.
Congress member from Tamil Nadu E. M. Sudarsana Natchiappan said the issue of livelihood and agriculture must be looked into, fearing there could be a law and order problem.
He said the Supreme Court has constituted a committee headed by a former Chief Justice and Kerala can report to it committee if it had any issues.
D. Raja (CPI) said a solution to the contentious issue should be found soon taking into account the interests of both the states and added that nothing should be done that might adversely impact the best relations between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
"I did meet the Prime Minister and asked him to intervene. It will be appropriate if the PM calls both the chief ministers and finds an amicable and meaningful solution. The Centre should take a pro-active role and convene a meeting of both states," he said.
Congress member from Kerala P. J. Kurien said not a drop of water going to Tamil Nadu will be removed.
Mentioning the report of IIT-Roorkee that the 116-year-old dam will not be able to withstand an earthquake measuring above 5 on the Richter scale, Kurien suggested construction of a new quake-resistant dam.
"If the dam is not safe, let us have another dam... there is a fear which needs to be allayed," he said.
T. K. Rangarajan (CPI-M) said the people of Tamil Nadu were not having two crops due to less water and their interests should be protected.
"This vandalism should also be stopped... law and order should be there and the Centre should intervene," he said.
T. N. Seema (CPI-M) said the issue pertained to the life and death of 30 lakh people and there must be some solution to the issue. "There is a danger...we cannot live in fear," she said.
Members from Tamil Nadu, cutting across party lines, said the 116-year-old dam was safe and demanded its water level be raised to 142 ft level, while those from Kerala said it was a question of life and death of the people in the state and their safety should not be compromised with.
Raising the issue during Zero House, AIADMK leader V. Maitreyan said the Kerala government was spreading rumours on the safety of the dam, despite the Supreme Court declaring it safe.
"The Government of Kerala is creating panic and rumour among its people... it said 22 tremors occurred in last two months, which is blatantly untrue. There have been only four tremors last year," he said seeking Centre's intervention in raising the water level of the dam, which he said was affecting the crops in Tamil Nadu.
Echoing similar sentiments, DMK leader Tiruchi Siva said the dam was strong enough and safe, as has been certified, and sought raising of its water level.
"All apprehensions that it falls under seismic zone are baseless... Some miscreants are trying to damage the dam. We have already demanded that CISF be deployed there...We seek the intervention of the Centre to increase the capacity of water to 142 ft," he said.
Congress member from Tamil Nadu E. M. Sudarsana Natchiappan said the issue of livelihood and agriculture must be looked into, fearing there could be a law and order problem.
He said the Supreme Court has constituted a committee headed by a former Chief Justice and Kerala can report to it committee if it had any issues.
D. Raja (CPI) said a solution to the contentious issue should be found soon taking into account the interests of both the states and added that nothing should be done that might adversely impact the best relations between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
"I did meet the Prime Minister and asked him to intervene. It will be appropriate if the PM calls both the chief ministers and finds an amicable and meaningful solution. The Centre should take a pro-active role and convene a meeting of both states," he said.
Congress member from Kerala P. J. Kurien said not a drop of water going to Tamil Nadu will be removed.
Mentioning the report of IIT-Roorkee that the 116-year-old dam will not be able to withstand an earthquake measuring above 5 on the Richter scale, Kurien suggested construction of a new quake-resistant dam.
"If the dam is not safe, let us have another dam... there is a fear which needs to be allayed," he said.
T. K. Rangarajan (CPI-M) said the people of Tamil Nadu were not having two crops due to less water and their interests should be protected.
"This vandalism should also be stopped... law and order should be there and the Centre should intervene," he said.
T. N. Seema (CPI-M) said the issue pertained to the life and death of 30 lakh people and there must be some solution to the issue. "There is a danger...we cannot live in fear," she said.
Stray incidents of violence in TN, bus set ablaze
Amid raging row over the Mullaperiyar dam issue, stray violence was reported in some parts of Tamil Nadu today by some protesters setting a bus on fire and targetting commercial establishments owned by Keralites.
The incidents came two days after some anti-social elements allegedly pelted stones at Ayyappa devotees from Tamil Nadu in Iddukki district where the 116-year-old dam that has triggered a fresh war of words, is located.
In Chennai a few shops, including a hotel, came under attack even as police foiled a bid to target a popular Kerala-based jewellery showroom, police said.
Security has been stepped up in the city as the row over the dam escalated with both Tamil Nadu and Kerala upping the ante on the issue.
Jayalalithaa had appealed to the people of Kerala not to indulge in acts of senseless violence and vandalism over an imaginary non-issue.
On the other hand, an all-party meeting in Kerala yesterday stuck to the state's demand for a new dam in place of the existing one, disregarding opposition by Tamil Nadu which insists that the present structure is safe.
A Kerala-bound bus was set ablaze in Gudalur in Theni district by some protesters after they asked the passengers to alight.
In Coimbatore, 40 persons, belonging to two different organisations, were arrested when they attempted to force some shopowners, particularly jewellery establishments run by Kerala-based Groups, to down shutters.
Fifteen persons, belonging to 'Tamil Deshiya Pothuvudamai Katchi', raised slogans and asked the jewellers and some others to close shop, police said.
A Keralite's bakery was attacked allegedly by some members belonging to the 'Naam Tamizhar Katchi', who forcibly downed its shutters. They were arrested, police added.
The incidents came two days after some anti-social elements allegedly pelted stones at Ayyappa devotees from Tamil Nadu in Iddukki district where the 116-year-old dam that has triggered a fresh war of words, is located.
In Chennai a few shops, including a hotel, came under attack even as police foiled a bid to target a popular Kerala-based jewellery showroom, police said.
Security has been stepped up in the city as the row over the dam escalated with both Tamil Nadu and Kerala upping the ante on the issue.
Jayalalithaa had appealed to the people of Kerala not to indulge in acts of senseless violence and vandalism over an imaginary non-issue.
On the other hand, an all-party meeting in Kerala yesterday stuck to the state's demand for a new dam in place of the existing one, disregarding opposition by Tamil Nadu which insists that the present structure is safe.
A Kerala-bound bus was set ablaze in Gudalur in Theni district by some protesters after they asked the passengers to alight.
In Coimbatore, 40 persons, belonging to two different organisations, were arrested when they attempted to force some shopowners, particularly jewellery establishments run by Kerala-based Groups, to down shutters.
Fifteen persons, belonging to 'Tamil Deshiya Pothuvudamai Katchi', raised slogans and asked the jewellers and some others to close shop, police said.
A Keralite's bakery was attacked allegedly by some members belonging to the 'Naam Tamizhar Katchi', who forcibly downed its shutters. They were arrested, police added.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Mullaperiyar Dam Issue: High Court Asks To Take Precautions
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday said that the state should think about precautions to ensure the safety of the people near Mullaperiayar dam. The High Court (HC) asked Kerala to identify safe zones instead of submitting alerts and studies about the issue.
HC observed that the Government has to give priority to the precautionary steps being implemented. The court also disagreed to the state’s plan to study about the possibility of the dam bursting in association with IIT-Rourkee.
The bench demanded a concrete plan to ensure the safety of the people residing near Mullaperiyar Dam. The Advocate General (AG) asked for 48 hours to get the information from the Government, to which the bench replied, “You are asking for 48 hours when danger is knocking on our doors? What if something happens in 45 minutes?” The Division Bench of acting Chief Justices Manjula Chellur and Justice PR Ramachandra Menon expressed strong displeasure in this regard.
Following the court’s directive on Tuesday, the AG informed the court that, the Government intended to request the Tamil Nadu Government to reduce the water level in the dam and that the state was also planning to reduce the water level of nearby dams. The drained water is to be used to generate power and the Government is organising a special meeting to obtain the approval of the opposition. The Government is all set to approach Supreme Court, Central Government and Tamil Nadu to resolve the issue.
The court disagreed to the steps outlined by the AG and said that, he has to come up with a detailed report explaining what the people of the affected area should do in the event of the dam bursting; which official should be approached and that the plan has to include safe zones for evacuating people in an emergency. The details of the official should be displayed prominently in Malayalam near the Mullaperiayar area.
HC observed that the Government has to give priority to the precautionary steps being implemented. The court also disagreed to the state’s plan to study about the possibility of the dam bursting in association with IIT-Rourkee.
The bench demanded a concrete plan to ensure the safety of the people residing near Mullaperiyar Dam. The Advocate General (AG) asked for 48 hours to get the information from the Government, to which the bench replied, “You are asking for 48 hours when danger is knocking on our doors? What if something happens in 45 minutes?” The Division Bench of acting Chief Justices Manjula Chellur and Justice PR Ramachandra Menon expressed strong displeasure in this regard.
Following the court’s directive on Tuesday, the AG informed the court that, the Government intended to request the Tamil Nadu Government to reduce the water level in the dam and that the state was also planning to reduce the water level of nearby dams. The drained water is to be used to generate power and the Government is organising a special meeting to obtain the approval of the opposition. The Government is all set to approach Supreme Court, Central Government and Tamil Nadu to resolve the issue.
The court disagreed to the steps outlined by the AG and said that, he has to come up with a detailed report explaining what the people of the affected area should do in the event of the dam bursting; which official should be approached and that the plan has to include safe zones for evacuating people in an emergency. The details of the official should be displayed prominently in Malayalam near the Mullaperiayar area.
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