Will discuss Mullaiperiyar dam maintenance with Kerala during Vaikkom visit: Duraimurugan

CHENNAI: Responding to concerns raised by the principal opposition AIADMK over the Kerala government obstructing maintenance works at Mullaiperiyar dam, State Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan on Tuesday informed the Assembly that Chief Minister MK Stalin will take up the issue with the neighbouring State when he visits on Wednesday to inaugurate renovated Periyar Memorial in Kottayam district as part of the Vaikkom centenary celebration.

Moving a call attention motion during the Zero Hour in the State Assembly on the reported obstruction of the Mullaiperiyar dam maintenance works by Kerala officials, Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami said that the vehicles of the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department carrying materials were stopped.

EPS added that this has led to unrest among people of five districts getting benefited from the Periyaru dam. He pointed out they had protested in front of the John Pennycuick statue against the obstruction of Mullaiperiyar Dam maintenance works.

The LoP also insisted that the Chief Minister, while visiting the neighbouring State on December 11, take it up with his Kerala counterpart and ensure the maintenance of the dam is carried out.

Concurring with the LoP, minister Duraimurugan admitted to such an incident taking place there and said that the Supreme Court, in its verdict in the Mullaiperiyar case, has categorically stated that Kerala must not obstruct any maintenance work undertaken by Tamil Nadu.

Adding that such incidents were resolved through dialogue, the irrigation minister said, "I will also be accompanying the Chief Minister during his visit to Kerala (Wednesday) for the Vaikkom celebration. We will definitely raise the issue then."