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.
PM writes to Jayalalithaa on Mullaperiyar Dam issue
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa replying to her letters on the Mullaperiyar Dam issue, and expressed hope that an amicable and mutually acceptable solution can be found through a process of dialogue and communication.
"I have received your letter of 29th November, 2011 as well as your earlier letter on the Mullaperiyar Dam issue. I have made a note of the points raised by you and also heard the issues raised by a delegation of Ministers from the Government of Kerala. I have pointed out to them that the matter is currently before the Supreme Court Empowered Committee. I believe that nothing should be said or done to create undue alarm among the people. I am sure that, given goodwill on both sides, an amicable and mutually acceptable solution can be found through a process of dialogue and communication," said Dr. Singh in his letter.
"I have accordingly advised the Ministry of Water Resources to arrange an early meeting between the officials of the two sides to sort out outstanding issues and allay genuine concerns. I look forward to you cooperation in this matter," he added.
Expressing concern over reports of vandalism on the Mullaperiyar Dam issue, Jayalalithaa had written a letter to Dr. Singh, and asked him to advise Kerala not to precipitate matters in the interest of both the states.
In her second letter to Dr. Singh, she reiterated Tamil Nadu's stand that retrofitted Mullaiperiyar Dam was safe and Kerala should be advised to desist from this approach for building a new dam.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu are locked in a dispute over the dam located in Idduki District.
While Tamil Nadu wants to increase the water level in the reservoir, Kerala has been insisting that it be reduced from the current 136 feet to 120 feet.
Kerala is arguing for construction of a new dam at Mullaperiyar in place of the existing one, which is being opposed by Tamil Nadu. (ANI)
Mullaperiyar Dam: Kerala MPs continue protest
Cutting across party lines, MPs from Kerala continued their protest over the Mullaperiyar Dam issue in Parliament premises on Wednesday, demanding that a new structure be built to replace the existing one.
Holding placards, various MPs from different political parties including the ruling Congress sat on a peaceful dharna before the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, claiming that the lives of 30 lakh people were endangered.
Holding placards, various MPs from different political parties including the ruling Congress sat on a peaceful dharna before the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, claiming that the lives of 30 lakh people were endangered.
"All we are saying is lower the water level from 136 feet to 120 feet for safety of the dam and also to reduce anxiety. At the same time, all procedures should be done for constructing new dam. We reiterate that the dam is exclusive for the purpose of Tamil Nadu and not a drop of water will be reduced," said Congress MP from Kottayam Jose K Mani.
He said the Kerala water resources minister had met the Prime Minister yesterday and explained the situation to him.
Union ministers from Kerala Vayalar Ravi, K V Thomas, K C Venugopal, Mullapally Ramachandran and E Ahamed had also met the Prime Minister seeking his intervention in ensuring the safety of the dam.
The Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala's Idukki district has been a sparring point for the state with Tamil Nadu for quite some time now. While Tamil Nadu wants to increase the water-level in the reservoir, Kerala has been insisting that it be reduced from the current 136 feet to 120 feet.
Kerala is willing to construct a new dam for supplying water to Tamil Nadu, which is opposing the move concerned over losing control over the functionality of the dam.
Various groups in Kerala had been arguing that the dam cannot withstand higher magnitude earthquakes and posed a threat to lives and properties of over three million people in Idukki, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts of the state.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
PM holds consultations on Mullaperiyar Dam issue
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
on Wednesday night held consultations on the Mullaperiyar Dam issue which
has seen Kerala and Tamil Nadu at loggerheads.
Singh held meeting with some senior ministers including Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on the issue.
The Centre has already appealed to Tamil Nadu and Kerala to amicably settle the issue of Mullaperiyar Dam between them and expressed its willingness to play a role of "facilitator".
"It is amongst themselves that the matter can be sorted out. We can only play a role of facilitator. We want the matter to be sorted out amicably between the two states," Union Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal told reporters here, stressing that water was a state subject.
"There is no power with Government of India to impose any
decision of its own," Bansal said and added that the Centre
could not take any action till Supreme Court-appointed special
committee headed by Justice A S Anand looked into the safety
aspect of the dam.
Meanwhile, MPs from Kerala today decided to take up the matter with the Prime Minister.
The decision of the Kerala MPs to meet Singh came after DMK MPs raked up in the Lok Sabha the issue of a film based on damage wreaked by the collapse of a dam and demanded a ban on its release. The members complained that the film was based on the story of Mullaperiyar Dam, over which Tamil Nadu and Kerala are locked in a legal dispute.
Senior Congress MP P C Chacko said all Kerala MPs will meet Prime Minister to demand that Kerala should be allowed to construct a new dam in place of the existing structure which is weakened by the recent tremors, posing a threat to not only the livelihood but lives of millions of people.
"We will meet the Prime Minister. We have already sought an appointment," Chacko said.
Tamil Nadu has always been opposed to constructing a new dam near the existing structure, which supplies water to its several southern districts.
Describing the issue as "serious", CPI (M) Rajya Sabha MP K N Balagopal said the central government should urgently intervene to amicably settle the issue with Tamil Nadu.
Singh held meeting with some senior ministers including Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on the issue.
The Centre has already appealed to Tamil Nadu and Kerala to amicably settle the issue of Mullaperiyar Dam between them and expressed its willingness to play a role of "facilitator".
"It is amongst themselves that the matter can be sorted out. We can only play a role of facilitator. We want the matter to be sorted out amicably between the two states," Union Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal told reporters here, stressing that water was a state subject.
Meanwhile, MPs from Kerala today decided to take up the matter with the Prime Minister.
The decision of the Kerala MPs to meet Singh came after DMK MPs raked up in the Lok Sabha the issue of a film based on damage wreaked by the collapse of a dam and demanded a ban on its release. The members complained that the film was based on the story of Mullaperiyar Dam, over which Tamil Nadu and Kerala are locked in a legal dispute.
Senior Congress MP P C Chacko said all Kerala MPs will meet Prime Minister to demand that Kerala should be allowed to construct a new dam in place of the existing structure which is weakened by the recent tremors, posing a threat to not only the livelihood but lives of millions of people.
"We will meet the Prime Minister. We have already sought an appointment," Chacko said.
Tamil Nadu has always been opposed to constructing a new dam near the existing structure, which supplies water to its several southern districts.
Describing the issue as "serious", CPI (M) Rajya Sabha MP K N Balagopal said the central government should urgently intervene to amicably settle the issue with Tamil Nadu.
Mullaperiyar dam issue spills into IFFI
A
group of artistes and film activists from Kerala held a demonstration
at International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at Panaji on Tuesday
expressing solidarity with the ongoing protests demanding construction of new dam at Mullaperiyar.
Film activists from Tamil Nadu mobilized a counter march to support the position that demolition of the Mullaperiyar dam would deprive water for the farms in their state.
Both groups came menacingly close to each other raising slogans and
counter slogans. But the police swung into action and averted a clash.
Malayalam actor Raveendran said the demonstration wasn't against Tamil Nadu. It was held only to express concern over the safety of the people, he said.
IFFI Director Shankar Mohan told reporters he wouldn't permit delegates to use the venue for protests on issues not connected to the event.
Film activists from Tamil Nadu mobilized a counter march to support the position that demolition of the Mullaperiyar dam would deprive water for the farms in their state.
Malayalam actor Raveendran said the demonstration wasn't against Tamil Nadu. It was held only to express concern over the safety of the people, he said.
IFFI Director Shankar Mohan told reporters he wouldn't permit delegates to use the venue for protests on issues not connected to the event.
Oomen Chandy to meet PM over Mullaperiyar Dam issue
Seeking urgent Central initiative on the vexed Mullaperiyar Dam
issue, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will meet Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh on Thursday and stress on the importance of holding early
talks between the state and Tamil Nadu to defuse the crisis.
Chandy will leave for New Delhi this afternoon to meet the Prime Minister.
A special meeting of the state cabinet late last night decided to convene an urgent one-day sitting of the Assembly on December 9 to discuss the issue and adopt a resolution reinforcing the state's proposal for building a new dam in place of the 116-year-old structure, which posed a grim threat to over 3 million people in the downstream districts.
Exuding confidence that his Delhi trip would be fruitful, Chandy told reporters that even Tamil Nadu appeared to have understood the anxiety of Kerala whose slogan on the issue was "water to Tamil Nadu and safety to Kerala."
According to government sources, apart from reiterating the state's stand that a new dam was only the lasting solution to the long-pending dispute, the Chief Minister was expected to take up immediate measures like lowering the water level of the reservoir to 120 feet.
With the dam's catchment areas receiving heavy rains in the last few days, its water level this morning touched 136.5 feet, slightly above the maximum permissible storage level of 136 feet.
Kerala has for long been pressing that the maximum water level should be further reduced since the dam is in a precarious condition. Tamil Nadu has refused to buy that argument.
The LDF, especially its leader V S Achuthanandan, has assumed an aggressive posture over the issue, accusing the Centre of shying away from taking a strong stand on the issue.
The 88-year-old Marxist veteran has announced his plan to observe a one-day fast at Mullaperiyar on December 7 to mobilise public opinion for the cause.
Achuthanandan, who has been a vanguard campaigner on Mullaperiyar issue since 1990s, also urged political parties in Tamil Nadu to refrain from taking a partisan view of the tangle and create an atmosphere for cordial talks.
Citing common cultural and linguistic heritage shared by people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Achuthanandan said it was the duty of responsible political parties on both sides to bring about a resolution of the issue without allowing it to fester further.
Meanwhile, the indefinite fast launched by CPI MLA at Mullaperiyar entered the fifth day today.
All political parties, cutting across ideological divides, and local outfits and NGOs are continuing their protests over the issue, drawing big crowds in border towns like Kumali.
Speaker of Kerala Assembly G Karthikeyan visited the area this morning and members of the Legislative Committee on Dam Safety would be visiting the area on December 5.
Chandy will leave for New Delhi this afternoon to meet the Prime Minister.
A special meeting of the state cabinet late last night decided to convene an urgent one-day sitting of the Assembly on December 9 to discuss the issue and adopt a resolution reinforcing the state's proposal for building a new dam in place of the 116-year-old structure, which posed a grim threat to over 3 million people in the downstream districts.
Exuding confidence that his Delhi trip would be fruitful, Chandy told reporters that even Tamil Nadu appeared to have understood the anxiety of Kerala whose slogan on the issue was "water to Tamil Nadu and safety to Kerala."
According to government sources, apart from reiterating the state's stand that a new dam was only the lasting solution to the long-pending dispute, the Chief Minister was expected to take up immediate measures like lowering the water level of the reservoir to 120 feet.
With the dam's catchment areas receiving heavy rains in the last few days, its water level this morning touched 136.5 feet, slightly above the maximum permissible storage level of 136 feet.
Kerala has for long been pressing that the maximum water level should be further reduced since the dam is in a precarious condition. Tamil Nadu has refused to buy that argument.
The LDF, especially its leader V S Achuthanandan, has assumed an aggressive posture over the issue, accusing the Centre of shying away from taking a strong stand on the issue.
The 88-year-old Marxist veteran has announced his plan to observe a one-day fast at Mullaperiyar on December 7 to mobilise public opinion for the cause.
Achuthanandan, who has been a vanguard campaigner on Mullaperiyar issue since 1990s, also urged political parties in Tamil Nadu to refrain from taking a partisan view of the tangle and create an atmosphere for cordial talks.
Citing common cultural and linguistic heritage shared by people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Achuthanandan said it was the duty of responsible political parties on both sides to bring about a resolution of the issue without allowing it to fester further.
Meanwhile, the indefinite fast launched by CPI MLA at Mullaperiyar entered the fifth day today.
All political parties, cutting across ideological divides, and local outfits and NGOs are continuing their protests over the issue, drawing big crowds in border towns like Kumali.
Speaker of Kerala Assembly G Karthikeyan visited the area this morning and members of the Legislative Committee on Dam Safety would be visiting the area on December 5.
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