THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the Mullaperiyar issue is seemingly turning to the favour of Kerala after a long time thanks to the recurring tremors in the Idukki belt and the people and political parties taking to the streets against the dam, the State Government is examining all sides of the issue. The Cabinet meet which is scheduled to be held on Wednesday will finalise a clear-cut course of action.There is opinion to convene an emergency session of the Assembly for a day in the first week of December and the eminent lawyer Harish Salve has suggested that the Assembly should pass another resolution and present it before the Supreme Court for speedy intervention in the issue. Law Minister K M Mani feels that there is need for applying more pressure through other means on the Centre.“Water Resources is a Central subject under Schedule VII of the Constitution. Since the Prime Minister had agreed to convene a meeting of the Chief Ministers of the two states, what should be done now is to convince Tamil Nadu about the dangers related to the dam and also about ensuring the safety of lakhs of people in Kerala.The Centre need to give only environmental clearance for constructing a new dam in Kerala’s land. The State Assembly can, if necessary, reassure that Tamil Nadu will be given its due share of water as before,” Mani told Express.The Cabinet slated to be held on Wednesday is all set to become crucial on the Mullaperiyar issue.The Opposition LDF has already sought the convening of an emergency Assembly session. The Speaker’s office will take a final decision on the basis of a Cabinet recommendation.The Mullaperiyar issue is turning more and more political, with political parties being forced to stand more or less united since the safety of lakhs of people living downstream areas of the dam is under threat.For the first time, Kerala’s voice is heard louder at the national level, while Tamil Nadu is alleging that the hype is totally unwarranted and insists that the dam is ‘safe’.The humanitarian angle which has gained significance has given an edge for Kerala, though the issue is still before the empowered committee constituted by the Supreme Court.The latest moves of the state is intended to keep various options open and realise the ultimate goal of a new dam in Mullaperiyar and till that time, to lower the water level to 120 ft from the existing 136 ft.
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