'Will not allow it'; Kerala against TN government's stance on Mullaperiyar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala expressed displeasure over the Tamil Nadu government's announcement to raise the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam. Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph said he will convey the protest directly to the Tamil Nadu government. The minister also clarified that the water level will not rise in Mullaperiyar under any circumstances.

“The safety of the dam remains of utmost importance. The water level should remain at 136 feet, and our stance is that. We will consider going to court. We will officially protest against the Tamil Nadu government’s decision,” the minister said.

The announcement to raise the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam was made in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's first budget. Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson announced that the water level would be raised based on existing agreements and judicial orders. Earlier, the Supreme Court allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level in the dam to 142 feet. However, after Kerala expressed concerns, it was limited to 136 feet.

Tamil Nadu has long been putting up a demand to raise the water level in the dam. The new move is to ensure the legal right to store more water than the currently permitted limit. The budget also states that necessary legal steps will be taken for this.