Mullaiperiyar: Panel poser on control of new dam

NEW DELHI: The Supreme-Court-appointed Empowered Committee on Mullaiperiyar dam has asked Tamil Nadu and Kerala to give their sugge­stion on whether control and management can be given to an independent agency, in case a new dam is built.The Committee set Saturday as the deadline as both the states opposed the suggestion then and there, though citing different reasons. While Tamil Nadu refused to give any response as the state is against the very idea of a new dam, Kerala said it cannot relinquish control of a dam which is in its territory. Following this, the panel asked the states to take time and reply by Saturday.Monday’s was the first meeting of the Committee after two members of the panel had visited the dam site. It is learnt that the two-member team in its report has ruled out the need for a new dam as it has found the old dam quite safe. However, this could not be confirmed. The Empowered Committee will meet again on Tuesday, but it will be an internal meeting. The five-member committee, headed by former Chief Justice of India A S Anand, is expected to submit its report on the controversial issue by February.The Committee on Monday listened to the argument of both sides. Tamil Nadu argued that the old dam is safe and that there is no need for a new structure. According to TN, that the dam is over 100 years old is not a reason for construction of a new one. It also blamed Kerala for creating panic regarding safety of the dam.Kerala, repeating its plea for a new dam, argued that executing repair works is not a permanent solution. It said Kerala Government is willing to bear the entire expense of the new dam and also expre­ssed willingness to make changes in the project report on the new dam that it has already submitted to the Committee, to include suggestions from Tamil Nadu or any other agency.Kerala also said it was willing to sign on any agreement to ensure the same quantity of water to Tamil Nadu if a new dam is built. Tamil Nadu questioned Kerala’s bonafide in demanding a new dam and argued that existing dam, after retrofitting, is safe and that water should be raised to 142 ft.