Safety of Mullaperiyar Dam a concern for Kerala, says CM

Locked in a bitter row with Tamil Nadu on the Mullaperiar Dam issue, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today maintained that the safety of the century-old dam was a "concern" for his state and that a new structure was a solution "where both sides win."

"A new dam is the only solution by which continued supply of water to Tamil Nadu can be ensured and the safety concerns of Kerala could be addressed. It is a solution where both sides win. It ensures water for Tamil Nadu and safety for Kerala," he said in newspaper advertisements.

Chandy said he had no doubt that the issue could be solved amicably and held that the two governments had the "responsibility" to ensure that the issue was not allowed to escalate and create misunderstanding between the people of the two states.

"We value the relations of our people. Unfortunately there is misinformation which has led to reactions. We want no incident to cast a shadow on our relationship," he said, seeking to strike a chord with the people of Tamil Nadu.