Amid his state’s ongoing standoff with Kerala over the Mullaperiyar dam issue, Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan on Friday said the water level in the reservoir would be raised to 152 feet after strengthening the Baby Dam.
He also said that he feels that the issue can be resolved only during the “time” of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala are at loggerheads over the age-old dam, with Kerala insisting that the reservoir is not safe, and wants a new one in its place, while its neighbor keeps it strong.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Mullaperiyar dam managed by Tamil Nadu, Duraimurugan also attacked the opposition AIADMK for announcing a protest over the issue against the state government, said its top leaders including K Palaniswami and O. . panneerselvamHe had not visited the dam in the last 10 years when the party was in power.
Asked about Vijayan’s statement that the dam is ‘strong’ but Kerala will hold talks with Tamil Nadu for a new structure and if the state is okay with it, the minister said he is “very much” to the Kerala CM. respect”.
“I have known him personally for a long time. He is an honest, cordial chief minister. I think this issue will end in his time.”
On the issue of water storage in the dam, it was in line with the rule curve proposed by the Central Water Commission, the minister said, adding that the state has taken “immediate, medium and long-term measures” to strengthen the dam. Ever since the issue was first raised in 1979 and eventually strengthened Baby Dam wants to raise the level to 152 feet.
Three trees were required to be removed for this purpose, he said and indicated that Kerala authorities were not doing so.
“Soon, if those trees are removed, we will build (strengthen) the baby dam and if this is done we (the water level) can go up to 152 feet. Supreme Court’s decision,” she added.
The minister was accompanied by his cabinet colleague I Periyasamy and PWD Additional Chief Secretary Sandeep Saxena, among others.
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