Dam panel rejects Kerala's plea for lowering water level

: The Supreme Court appointed apex committee on Mullaperiyar today rejected Kerala's demand for lowering the water level of the reservoir below 136 feet in view of heavy rains lashing the site, causing safety concern to people in the area.
According to official sources, the panel, headed by a Chief Engineer from the Central Water Commission, turned down the state's demand in the regard after a review meeting.
Kerala's member on the panel expressed his dissent on the decision, sources said.
Tamil Nadu took the stand that the shutters of the dam would be opened only if the water level touches 140 feet. Kerala pointed out that the water level had already reached 137 feet.

The Supreme Court had earlier this year rejected Kerala's demand for a new dam in place of over the century old dam and upheld Tamil Nadu's stand for pegging the water level at 142 feet.