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)
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