Jaya writes to PM, slams Kerala over Mullaperiyar

Last Updated: Thursday, February 09, 2012, 13:19

Tags: Jayalalithaa, Mullaperiyar dam, Manmohan Singh

Chennai: Taking strong exception to Kerala's reported "unilateral" action in ordering real time monitoring of Mullaperiyar Dam along with the Centre without Tamil Nadu's consent, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Thursday slammed it as a "blatant violation" of the principle of federalism and constitutional framework.

In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, she referred to reports of Kerala deciding "unilaterally" to install real time monitoring system for water build up, calling it yet another attempt to exacerbate fears in Kerala about its safety.

She said reports suggested Kerala had entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Science and Technology to install "real time monitoring system for water build up."

Jayalalithaa accused Kerala of "persistently" engaging in fear mongering about the dam's safety though the Supreme Court had held in 2006 that the structure is safe and water could be stored initially upto 142 feet.

The apex court appointed Empowered Committee was fully seized of the matter and is due to submit its report shortly, she saidm adding Kerala's move is an "attempt to present a fait accompli" to the court when the matter is sub-judice.

Noting that the Mullaperiyar Dam and its appurtenant structures were owned and maintained by Tamil Nadu, she urged Singh to direct the Ministry of Science and Technology to immediately desist from entering into any agreement with the Government of Kerala and to annul any agreement if already entered into.

"I also request you to direct the Department of Science and Technology and Government of Kerala not to proceed further in any activity against the established rights of Tamil Nadu, since Tamil Nadu is the incontrovertible sole owner of the Mullaiperiyar Dam and all its appurtenant structure,"she said.

Recalling her December 4, 2011 letter, Jayalalithaa said Kerala's 'unilateral' action in interfering in the management of the Mullaperiyar Dam only strengthens the basis for her earlier request for deployment of Central forces at the dam site.

"I, therefore, request you to order the deployment of the CISF at the dam site forthwith," she said.

The two states are locked in a bitter row over the dam, with Kerala insisting on building a new dam to replace the more than 116-year-old structure, citing safety concerns, a stand opposed by Tamil Nadu, which says it is as safe as a new one.

The simmering issue had flared up recently, bringing both states on a confrontationist path and leading to violence in border districts of the two states before subsiding.

PTI

First Published: Thursday, February 09, 2012, 13:19

Comments

karan - india
Following is the portion of 1886 agreement related to payment of lease amount: which clearly shows that the agreement was between British empire and Vassal State governed by britain through a devan appointed by it. ``hereby demised and granted unto the Lessee from the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and eightysix for the term of nine hundred and ninetynine years yielding and paying therefor by the same being deducted from the tribute from time to time payable by the Lessor to the Government of India or Madras the yearly rent of forty thousand rupees of British India commencing from the day on which the waters of the said Periaur River now flowing into the said territory of Travancore shall by means of the said works be diverted and shall flow into British territory the first of such payments to be made at the expiration of twelve calendar months from such last mentioned date and yielding and paying from the date from which the said yearly rent of forty thosuand rupees of British India shall become payable It appears that Jayalalita is using the media, including news agencies like PTI, through paid news for inflammatory speech. No Newspaper or agency has asked her `` how Tamil nadu has become the heir to the British Empire in Independent India.