A state-wide dawn-to-dusk hartal in Kerala, called by the Mullaperiyar Dam Protection Committee,in protest against the Supreme Court verdict on Mullaperiyar, has been total in Idukki district.

Shops and business establishments in the district remain closed.Hartal has so far been,by and large peaceful.Police is keeping a strict vigil in areas bordering Tamil Nadu.

Hartal has not affected normal life in other districts of Kerala,as no major political parties are associated with the hartal.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has assured that all steps will be taken to allay people's concern over the safety of the more than a century old Mullaperiyar dam.He requested people to exercise restraint and not over-react on the issue.