The virtual meeting held on Friday between Tamil Nadu and Kerala officials on inter-State water disputes was “cordial and positive”, Public Works Department Secretary Sandeep Saxena said in Chennai.
As for the Mullaperiyar dam, Tamil Nadu was to strengthen the baby dam in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment, and an inspection conducted two months ago revealed that 15 trees were to be cut down.
“We have sought permission to cut down these trees. The Principal Secretary of Kerala’s Department of Forests assured us that he would consider the request and take a decision,” he said.
Ghat road repair
As for the ghat road to the baby dam which was not in a good condition, Mr. Saxena said Kerala’s State Board for Wildlife had to give permission, and a meeting of the panel would be called soon.
When Tamil Nadu raised the issue of non-release of water from the Neyyar dam since 2004, Kerala pointed to the lack of terms and conditions. Since Kerala passed legislation in 2004 for…