Idukki (Kerala), Nov. 30 (ANI): With protests intensifying in Kerala over the Mullaperiyar Dam issue, top leaders of the state visited the site on Wednesday to take stock of the ongoing situation.
Leaders of Kerala's ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and opposition CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) visited the dam, pledging support to ongoing protests in the area demanding construction of a new dam in place of the 116-year-old structure.
The leaders, after their visit told the media that there was no difference between them on the core demand on the Mullaperiyar issue.
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala, who led the UDF delegation, also expressed the hope of early central initiative on the issue.
Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan, who led the LDF team, asked the Central Government to take the initiative to assist in the talks between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, the MPs from Kerala continued their protest over the Mullaperiyar Dam issue in Parliament premises today, demanding that a new structure be built to replace the existing one.
They also jointly submitted a memorandum to the National Human Rights Commission in New Delhi, seeking its urgent intervention in the matter considering the "dire threat" posed by the dam to over three million people in downstream areas.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu are locked in a dispute over the dam located in Idduki District.
While Tamil Nadu wants to increase the water level in the reservoir, Kerala has been insisting that it be reduced from the current 136 feet to 120 feet.
Kerala is arguing for construction of a new dam at Mullaperiyar in place of the existing one, which is being opposed by Tamil Nadu. (ANI)
|
|
Comments:
