Chennai, Oct 2 (Inditop.com) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Friday stated that the central government has not given its permission to Kerala to conduct a survey to build a new dam near the over century-old Mullaperiyar dam in Idukki district.
In a statement issued here, he said the government would take immediate action if proof is given that such an order has been passed by the central government.
The chief minister said it is not possible to get a stay order from the court as demanded by various party leaders.
“The state government is opposed to Kerala’s move to build a new dam and we have expressed this to the centre. There is also a court case on the matter. As such, there is no order from the central government permitting any survey,” Karunanidhi said.
Opposition leaders are hitting out at the state and central governments over the reported sanction to Kerala to carry out the survey.
On Thursday, Leader of Opposition J. Jayalalithaa accused Karunanidhi of taking a compromising stand on the Mullaiperiyar dam issue.
The Mullaperiyar dam is on the headwaters of the Periyar river in Kerala. According to a 999-year lease agreement signed during the British rule, it is operated by the state of Tamil Nadu.
Citing safety concerns, Kerala has been demanding the construction of a new dam, which Tamil Nadu has vehemently opposed.
