Mullaperiyar dam’s safety situation not alarming: Kerala CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that some people are creating fear with regard to Mullaperiyar through social media, and presently there is no such alarming situation on the dam’s safety. He warned that those trying to create unnecessary fear will be dealt with legally.
Replying to a question by MLA M M Mani in the assembly on Monday, Vijayan said that those creating unnecessary fear will have to face legal action. “Since social media can be used for many purposes, a section is engaged in spreading misleading campaigns through it. This is part of trying to create panic in the state. Such activities will not do any good to the state and will have to be dealt with legally,” he said.
He said that such a campaign has no factual basis. The state has taken a stand for a new dam and the state is firm on it, even though some, including the Centre, are not in agreement with the state, he said. He further said that Tamil Nadu is cooperating with Kerala in all aspects but any differing stand would be resolved through discussions.
Earlier in the day, opposition leader V D Satheesan said in the assembly that the government should intervene in allaying people’s fears regarding Mullaperiyar dam, as a widespread campaign is doing the rounds on social media. He said that the government should also formulate long- and short-term programmes for controlling the water level, safety and security of the dam.
An active campaign #decommissionMullaperiyarDam on social media has the support of many, including actors Prithviraj and Unni Mukundan. “Regardless of what the facts and findings are or will be, there is no reason or excuse for this 125-year-old dam to exist as a functioning structure! It’s time we put politics and economics aside and do what is right. We can only trust the system, and let’s pray that the system makes the right decision!,” said Prithviraj’s Facebook post.
Dam panel should decide on water level: SC
Meanwhile, in the wake of concerns of the state’s flood situation, the Supreme Court bench of justices A M Khanwilkar and C T Ravikumar on Monday sought the response of Mullaperiyar’s supervisory committee on the immediate need to specify the water level. The court sought a decision by the committee on the appropriate water level by Wednesday. The bench said that the issue of water level can be decided after receiving the opinion of the committee. “We direct all authorities concerned to interact urgently and the committee to take a decision as to water level to be maintained,” the bench ordered.
“Instead of debating here, do something constructive there. Everyone has to work seriously and sincerely. This isn’t a political arena where you’ll debate, it’s about people’s lives. It’s due to inaction of one party or other that we have to interfere,” observed justice Khanwilkar, after dictating the order.
One of the petitioners had brought on record before the court the study report of “United Nations University-Institute for Water, Environment and Health”, raising concerns about the situation of Mullaperiyar.