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
