CPI leader Pandian says Kerala must accept SC verdict on Mullaperiyar Dam

Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Pandian on Wednesday, termed that the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court which gave its verdict on Mullaperiyar Dam as been due for a very long time and has given a relief to the farmers and hence Kerala must accept the judgement.

"The Constitution Bench of Supreme Court has given a verdict which has been there for a very long time. It is the appeal that has been heard and the verdict has been given. This has given a chance for Tamil Nadu Government to store water and use for irrigation purposes. This has been a great relief to the farmers. Therefore, Kerala must accept the judgement," Pandian said.

"For a very long period, these two states have been close friends; we request Kerala not to react subjectively and accept reality. Kerala Government must realize this now, for the unity of India and for natural resources," Pandian added.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court quashed the amendments to the Kerala Conservation and Irrigation Act brought in by the Kerala Government in 2006 to restrict the water level to 136 feet after an apex court bench order in February allowing Tamil Nadu to raise it to 142 feet.

A bench headed by Chief Justice R.M. Lodha delivered the verdict eight months after hearing in the case was completed.

The Supreme Court also appointed a supervising committee to look into the dam's workings and restoration.

The Mullaperiyar Dam has been a politically live wire issue for both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with the former demanding an increase in the water level in the 116-year-old dam to support its agricultural needs, and the latter opposed to the same over concerns about the old dam's safety.

The dam site is in Kerala, but the reservoir mainly serves Tamil Nadu.