TN Guv urges centre to not allow Kerala to construct dam at periyar river

Chennai: Asserting that the Government headed by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami will continue to staunchly protect Tamil Nadu’s interests in inter-state river waters issues, Governor Banwarilal Purohit today urged the Centre to reject Karnataka's Mekedatu project across river Cauvery.

Delivering his customary New year address to the State Assembly, he also said the Centre should not allow Kerala to construct a new dam across Periyar river.He said the strong initiative of this Government had led to the effective implementation of the Final Order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the judgement of the Supreme Court and the Centre notifying the ‘Cauvery Water Management Scheme, 2018’ comprising the ‘Cauvery Water Management Authority’ and ‘Cauvery Regulation Committee’ on June one, 2018.

''We have emphatically reiterated to the Government of India that Karnataka should not be permitted to construct any reservoir or diversion structure across the River Cauvery and its tributaries in violation of the judgement of the Supreme Court and without the prior consent of

Tamil Nadu'', he added.

''I again urge the Government of India to reject the Mekedatu Project proposed by Karnataka, which is in violation of the judgment of the Supreme Court'', he said.

Mr Purohit also urged the Union Government that Kerala should not be allowed to construct any new dam across Periyarriver in violation of the judgment of the Apex Court. He also requested the Kerala and the Union Governments to quickly accord the requisite clearances for carrying out the remaining works for strengthening the MullaiPeriyar Dam.

Due to the initiative of Mr Palaniswami, the negotiations at the official level, to reach an amicable agreement on the ParambikulamAliyar Project and other river water issues with Kerala were progressing. As directed by the Supreme Court in the suit filed by Tamil Nadu, the Centre has been requested to constitute a Tribunal under the provisions of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, to adjudicate the Pennaiyar River Water Dispute.

(UNI)