Chennai, Jul 9:One of the member of the Supreme Court-appointed empowered committee on Mullaperiyar Dam issue Justice A R Lakshmanan today said his report submitted in the Supreme Court was “certainly favourable” to Tamil Nadu, but the final decision was to be taken by the apex court.
Talking to reporters here, he said, “...I would say that my report is certainly favourable to Tamil Nadu.
But the final decision is to be taken by the Supreme Court.”
Lakshmanan represents Tamil Nadu while cccc for Kerala in the panel over the Mullaperiyar dam issue, in which these nieghbouring states are locked in a row.
Observing that the 119-year old dam was “safe hydrologically, technically, structurally,” the former Law Commission Chairman said it could raised upto 142 ft immediately.
“It can be raised to 152 ft, provided necessary safety measures are taken.
Immediately 142 ft can be raised, we have said. Since, we have arrived at this decision, we have said that Kerala should drop their efforts to build a new dam,” he said.
He said two of the members in the committee had suggested two alternatives and he gave a three-page reply contending that it was not necessary, since the panel has observed that the dam was safe.
The Mullaperiyar dam is located in Kerala's Idduki district but managed by Tamil Nadu on a 999-year lease period.
While Kerala insists that the existing 116-year-old dam be demolished on the grounds of safety, Tamil Nadu is opposed to it.
Asked about some state governments which were not complying with the ruling of the apex Court on Cauvery and Mullaperiyar dams issues, he said, “If it involves an individual we can apply contempt of court, but if it is a government, they should realise their responsibility and they should do (comply with the ruling).
If they are not doing so, what can we do? Can we punish the government.
They should realise their responsibility and do it.”
