Kerala to continue pitching for new dam

Thiruvananthapuram, May 9(ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday said he would continue with the legal battle in the apex court for the construction of new dam replacing the 119- year old Mullaperiyar dam.

His decision came after the Supreme Court-appointed empowered committee's report asked him to re-consider the demand.

Talking to mediapersons here, Chandy said that his demand was for the safety of the province.

"Our position is very clear, new dam for Kerala, safety for Kerala and water for Tamil Nadu," he said.

He said that he would also keep in mind the need of water for the neighbouring Tamil Nadu state.

The report submitted by the empowered committee appointed by the Supreme Court had certified the Mullaperiyar dam to be safe and also favoured raising the water level from the present 136 feet to 142 feet. (ANI)