Kochi: The Kerala government today informed
the state High Court that at least 450 families living near
the 116-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam area would be evacuated to
safer places soon.
In a counter-affidavit, the government also said that a
mock safety drill will be conducted near the dam area.
The submission was made after the division bench directed
the Government to give details of the safety measures being
contemplated anticipating threat to the dam.
Hearing a batch of petitions relating to safety concerns
over the dam, the court sought details from the government
about the water level of Cheruthoni, Kulamavu and Idukki dams.
A division bench, comprising acting Chief Justice Manjula
Chellur and Justice P R Ramachandra Menon, also asked the
Government to explain the steps to lower the water level in
these dams.
The court asked the Government whether it was prepared to
seek help from the Army in case of an emergency while
anticipating threat to Mullaperiyar Dam.
PTI
