New Delhi: Tamilnadu and Kerala have sought more time to discuss the Supreme Court’s proposal to expand the constitution, power and functions of the Mullaiperiyar dam supervisory committee to resolve the longpending legal tussle between the two neighbouring States.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday decided to postpone hearing of pleas on the dam. The decision is based on the joint request raised by Kerala and Tamilnadu. Justice AM Khanwilkar, while accepting the request, acknowledged the complexities of the matter. The pleas have been posted for hearing on Thursday.
‘We understand the complexities of it. We can give time,’ a bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar said after senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, appearing for Tamilnadu, requested that the matter be heard on Thursday.
The apex court was hearing arguments on the pleas raising issues pertaining to the Mullaiperiyar Dam, which was built in 1895 on the Periyar river in Idukki district of Kerala.
The States informed the court that they convened the meeting as per its directive to prepare recommendations for dispensing powers to the Supervisory Commmittee. The States disclosed that there is progress in deliberation over certain matters pertaining to the dam. They both have mutually exchanged the notes of recommendations from their side.
The proposed changes envisage closer interaction between the committee and local authorities and police to keep the dam safe and strong. They include having the local police superintendent to aid with the safe conduct of men and material to the dam site and having the Chief Conservator of forests carry out the directions of the supervisory committee to cut the trees and keep the road to the dam motorable.