Chennai, Aug 21:
Kerala Chief Minister V M Satheesan on Thursday proposed construction of a new Mullaperiyar dam, saying his state was ready to bear the entire cost of the project while ensuring that Tamil Nadu continues to receive its full entitled share of water.
In his address at the Southern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he said Kerala was prepared to cooperate with Tamil Nadu on the long pending Mullaperiyar dam issue and suggested a fresh approach aimed at addressing concerns over the existing dam.
Under the proposal, Tamil Nadu could take responsibility for the design, selection of the site and construction of the new dam, while Kerala would meet the entire expenditure involved in constructing it.
Satheesan also made it clear that the construction of a new dam would not affect Tamil Nadu’s water rights. Kerala would continue to provide Tamil Nadu with its full share of water from the Mullaperiyar project.
The Kerala government’s stand seeks to address the safety concerns surrounding the existing Mullaperiyar dam while also safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s long-standing dependence on the reservoir for water supply.
The proposal is significant as the Mullaperiyar issue has remained a contentious subject between Kerala and Tamil Nadu for decades, with the two states holding differing positions on dam safety, water levels and the construction of a new structure.