The Kerala government on Sunday withdrew its decision to allow Tamil Nadu to cut down 15 trees downstream of the baby dam in the Murapiyar Reservoir as part of an effort to strengthen the structure, calling it a “serious mistake” , Will take action against officials who approved the move. Last week, the state’s forest department issued a permit to the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department, following criticism that this move would weaken Kerala’s demand for new dams to replace the 126-year-old existing structure.

The two states are divided on the stability of the structure. Kerala requires a new dam to be built, while Tamil Nadu states that it does not need a new structure. Critics in Kerala also worry that by strengthening the structure of the baby dam downstream, Tamil Nadu will increase the water level of the Murapiyar Reservoir from the existing 142 feet to 152 feet. Kerala has always opposed raising the water level of the dam on the grounds that the structure is stable.

Mullaperiyar Dam is located in the Idukki district of Kerala and is managed by the government of Tamil Nadu. Kerala Forest Minister A K Saseendran said on Sunday that the move was a “serious mistake” and officials did not consult the relevant minister before making a decision on such an important matter. “Neither the Chief Minister nor the Forest Minister knew about such permits. The Minister of Water Resources was also not familiar with such permits.

The officials did not consult the ministers before approving matters related to the sensitive Muraperia dam. It is a serious mistake of the officials. I have sought to take action against the officials. No official is above the government,” Sussendran said. “This is an unusual order. We will investigate the issuance of such orders and take necessary actions,” he added. On November 1, after a high-level meeting of senior officials from the Ministry of Water Resources, Bennichen Thomas, Chief Forest (Wildlife) Chief Conservation Officer and Chief Wildlife Administrator, issued this controversial order.

On Saturday, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin, wrote to his Kerala Prime Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to express his gratitude for allowing the felling of trees. “This long-pending request is essential for strengthening small and earthen dams, and this permission will enable us to take measures to strengthen these structures,” a statement quoted Stalin as saying in the letter.

News Source : The Indian Express