TN lodges protest with Kerala over unauthorized entry of MLA, media into Mullaperiyar dam

Chennai/THRISSUR: Amid tension over water storage level touching 141.1 feet, the alleged unauthorized entry of Kerala Peerumedu MLA E S Bijimol and a group of mediapersons into the Mullaperiyar dam site on Monday caused a stir. Tamil Nadu registered its protest with Kerala.
In a letter, Tamil Nadu chief secretary Mohan Verghese Chunkath lodged the protest with his Kerala counterpart, Nivedita P Haran, additional chief secretary, against the visit of the MLA, without intimating Tamil Nadu water resources department and taking mediapersons with him and also the Kerala police's failure to prevent the unauthorized entry.This went against the undertaking given by Kerala to the Supreme Court about guarding the dam and the appurtenant structures.
Meanwhile, with Tamil Nadu remaining firm in keeping water level in Mullaperiyar dam at 142 feet, Kerala is now considering sending an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seek his intervention in the issue. Minister for water resources P J Joseph said on Monday he would discuss with Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy and other cabinet colleagues about requesting the PM to persuade Tamil Nadu to reduce the water level. Sources said the much-awaited meeting of the SC-appointed supervisory committee to restore the full storage level will meet at the dam site on November 24.
In his letter, Chunkath said Mullaperiyar being a sensitive and restricted area, the visit without prior permission was highly condemnable. Kerala police on the dam site was also non-cooperative and did not prevent the unauthorized entry.
"Tamil Nadu government reiterates that entry into the restricted area is prohibited and Kerala government will be squarely responsible for any damage caused to the dam and its appurtenant structures," the chief secretary said.
Tamil Nadu alleged that when they arrived at the main dam, mediapersons pushed aside the executive engineer, water resources department and proceeded to the Baby dam. "Inspite of the TN officer requesting protection, the Kerala police were mute spectators," the chief secretary said.
In 2011, Tamil Nadu moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Centre to depute CISF at the dam site. During the proceedings, Kerala gave an undertaking that police and forest officials have been strictly instructed to give adequate protection.
"If stern corrective action is not taken by the Kerala government immediately, Tamil Nadu will have to approach the Supreme Court seeking appropriate legal remedy, and also seek deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force to guard the dam," Chunkath said.