Not Aware Of Any Nod For Felling Trees To Strengthen Dam At Mullaperiyar: Kerala Minister
NDTV
Both states are at loggerheads over the stability of the century-old structure, with Kerala insisting that it was not strong while Tamil Nadu saying it was not the case.
The Kerala government on Sunday said it was unaware of the permission being granted for felling 15 trees downstream of the Baby Dam at Mullaperiyar reservoir, a day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin thanked his counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan for the decision.
MK Stalin had on Saturday thanked Vijayan for "granting permission" for felling 15 trees downstream of the Baby Dam at Mullaperiyar reservoir and said he was informed by his officers of the Water Resources Department, that the permission for felling the 15 trees downstream of the Baby Dam at Mullaperiyar Dam has been granted by the Forest Department of Kerala.
"If there is such a situation, then it should be informed to the government. As far as I understand, the Chief Minister's office, Irrigation Minister's office or my office are not aware of such a decision. There is a lapse. From the news reports, I understand that permission was granted and they have started felling trees. We have sought a report from officials concerned," Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran said.
In his message expressing gratitude, Mr Stalin reiterated Tamil Nadu''s commitment to "undertake all steps needed to further strengthen the Mullaperiyar Dam" and ensure the safety of the people living downstream in Kerala.
