The Kerala government promises to take up the matter with the Centre

Idukki: The Kerala government on Monday assured the public that it stands in solidarity with them over the security concerns surrounding the Mullaperiyar dam, which has come under scrutiny following the recent devastating landslides in Wayanad.

At a review meeting held at the collectorate, state Irrigation Minister Roshy Augustine acknowledged the growing apprehensions among the public and promised to take up the issue with the central government as part of measures to alleviate their concerns.

The meeting was convened amid the state’s efforts to deal with the aftermath of recent landslides, which have raised questions about the safety and stability of the over 125-year-old dam. Meanwhile, the Mullaperiyar Samarasamiti has announced plans for agitation.

“The government stands with the people on the safety issues of the Mullaperiyar dam,” Augustine said.

He said Kerala’s demand for a new dam in Mullaperiyar is a united, trans-party politics.

“We once considered 90-100mm of rainfall as significant, but now it’s 200mm, 300mm. We all witnessed the devastating floods of 2018. Given the changing climate patterns, it is crucial to anticipate such situations and ensure people’s safety.

“To address legal issues and bring to the attention of the central government the heightened demand for a new dam, our MPs are very vigilant,” the minister said.

He said that a case is currently pending between Tamil Nadu and Kerala regarding this issue.

“We hope for a positive verdict from the Supreme Court soon,” Augustine said. The minister said the state government will also explore the possibility of settling the matter through out-of-court discussions.

At the same time, he said that Kerala is a state which never goes with a mindset of enmity with Tamil Nadu.

“The people of these two states live by intermingling. Business, livelihood and life are shared by the people of two states, especially in border areas,” the minister said, adding that the government’s aim is to ensure adequate water supply to Tamil Nadu and the safety of the people of Kerala .

He said that the dust management system must be implemented effectively.

“To achieve this, interdepartmental coordination will be strengthened,” Augustine said.

He also said that action will be taken against fake campaigns on social media and instructions will be given to the police.

“Vloggers spreading unnecessary fear will be regulated. There is no cause for concern at this time,” he said.

The review meeting was attended by Lok Sabha MP Dean Kuriakose, MLAs Vazhoor Soman and A Raja and senior officials of the district.