In Kerala, irrespective of political differences the mass agitation in the mullapperiyar dam safety issue is gaining further momentum.Opposition LDF has formed a human wall measuring 208 KM from the 116 year old mullapperiyar dam in Idukki to Marine drive in Kochi.Lakhs of people participated in the agitation demanding immediate reduction of the water level of the dam from 136 to 120 feet and construction of a new dam. All the prominent leaders of LDF participated in the agitation. At the same time, a ten member subject committee of state assembly visited the mullapperiyar dam to have first hand information about the safety of the dam. Later, addressing the media, state water resources Minister P J Joseph urged the Centre to bring about dam safety legislation for the entire country. He said that Defence Minister A K Antony assured him that necessary steps will be initiated for the same. Geological and engineering experts who briefed the media said that more than 26 tremors this year has made mullapperiyar very vulnerable.Kerala assembly is holding an emergency session tomorrow to discuss the dam safety issue.
News On AIR | December 8, 2011 5:16 PM
Kerala Mullapperiyar dam safety issue gains momentum