Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala on Wednesday firmly opposed Tamil Nadu’s announcement that it would raise the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam. Water resources minister Mons Joseph reiterated that the state would not permit the reservoir level to be increased beyond 142 feet and would formally convey its objection to the neighbouring state.The minister’s statement came after an emergency meeting of the irrigation department convened to assess the situation following Tamil Nadu’s budget announcement. Tamil Nadu finance minister N Marie Wilson had announced govt’s plan to increase the water level in the dam.Addressing the media after the meeting, Joseph said the state continues to press for a new dam at Mullaperiyar. “Kerala’s stand is safety for Kerala and water for Tamil Nadu,” he said, adding that the state would hold discussions with the Tamil Nadu govt while officially communicating its objection to the proposal.He also said the state govt would examine legal options, including approaching Supreme Court. The minister said there are concerns over the safety of the ageing dam and maintained that nobody has the authority to raise the water level beyond 142 feet. He alleged that Tamil Nadu’s position is not in conformity with the directives of Supreme Court on the issue.Joseph also announced that Kerala had nominated Ashutosh Dash, former special secretary and former engineer-in-chief of the Odisha water resources department, as the state’s representative on the expert committee constituted to assess the safety of the dam.
