CHENNAI: DMK leader M Karunanidhi and the State unit of the CPM condemned the Centre’s move to permit a survey for constructing a new dam in place of the existing Mullaiperiyar dam.
In a statement here, Karunanidhi said the move not only aimed to harming Tamil Nadu, but also amounted to ignoring the verdict of the Supreme Court, which has ruled that the Mullaiperiyar dam was strong and allowed rising the water level to 142 feet.
He also cited reports that the Centre has permitted the construction of a dam across the Pambar and asked Chief Minister O Panneerselvam to take up the issue with the Prime Minister.
CPM State secretary G Ramakrishnan said the permission given by the National Wildlife Board to conduct a survey for constructing a new dam was against the Supreme Court order.
It would create fear among the people of five districts who depend on it for irrigation and drinking water, he said.
Ramakrishnan pointed out that the Supreme Court had ruled that the two states should jointly decide on constructing a new dam and Tamil Nadu could not be compelled on the issue. Already water had been stored up to 142 feet and Kerala’s petition against it had been rejected by the apex court, he added.