Chennai: The Centre has given conditional go-ahead for Kerala to conduct feasibility study to build a new dam in place of the Mullaiperiyar Dam that is a bone of contention between Tamilnadu and the neighbouring State.
The Central Ministry of Environment has given its nod for the survey with a rider of seven conditions, says a report.
The Mullaiperiyar Dam has led to a lot of friction between Kerala and Tamilnadu for years now with Kerala claiming that the dam, built during British days, had weakened and was unsafe. But Tamilnadu, that is entitled to operate the dam, argued in court that the dam was in good condition and this was confirmed by a court-appointed panel.
While Tamilnadu wanted to raise the level of water storage in the dam to 156 ft, it was contested by Kerala. During the recent deluge in Kerala, the dam storage hit 142 ft, that was legally allowed by the Supreme Court.