COIMBATORE: A fresh row has erupted between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, as officials of the neigbouring State have demanded nearly `9 crore per annum for operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Siruvani dam.
This is a whopping hike compared to the existing costs paid by the Coimbatore Corporation. Presently, the civic body is shelling out `1.5-2 crore per annum to supply water to 30 wards.
A meeting scheduled between the States on June 13 in Thiruvanathapuram to discuss action taken by the Kerala irrigation department to seal a nine diameter pipeline in the Siruvani dam, will also stress on the O&M costs, according to sources.
Sources said that the cost includes setting up staff quarters and a guest house, constructing a retaining wall and clearing the dam site and so on. Using funds given to Kerala so far, the roads in and around the Siruvani have been developed and they are in good condition.
Sources in the civic body said that though the Kerala irrigation department had completed the pipeline sealing work above the dead storage level in Siruvani dam on Sunday evening, it would not benefit Kerala. The sealing work would only stop providing excess water to Coimbatore. Due to the impact of sealing work, the TWAD needs permission from Kerala to pump out water from the dam and supply it to the city. The TWAD board will have to pump out water when the water level in the Siruvani dam dips below dead storage level.