Dam opening not informed in advance: Kerala

Oomen Chandy, replying to ES Bijimol of CPI, who sought the leave of the Assembly to move an adjournment motion seeking discussion over the violation of dam contract by Tamil Nadu, which opened the spillway shutters of Mullaperiyar dam on Monday without prior notice to Kerala creating panic, expressed strong displeasure over Tamil Nadu’s violation. The contract insists that Tamil Nadu should inform the opening of the shutters 12 hours in advance. 

The Chief Minister said the issue would be taken up before the Supreme Court. Mr Chandy said he and his cabinet colleagues sought an appointment with the PM to seek his intervention. The Central Water Commission, the Union Environmental Ministry and the Union Water Resources Minister would be informed of the violation of dam contract by the Tamil Nadu, he added in his address.

While speaking on the issue, Leader of Opposition V S Achuthanandan urged the State Government to raise the issue with the National Human Rights Commission on humanitarian grounds as Tamil Nadu continues to deny the constitutional right to protect the life and the property of people living downstream.