The State Government has expressed its favourable disposition to the idea of a ‘joint control' of the proposed new dam at Mullaperiyar.
But it could not have been more happy and relieved to learn that the ‘new dam in place of the century-old' should have found wide acceptance, according to the Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy.
EXTRA MILE
Briefing newspersons on decisions taken at a meeting of the State Cabinet here on Wednesday, he said the State was willing to go the extra mile to find an expeditious solution for a vexed issue that has implications for livelihoods on both sides of the inter-State border.
The Chief Minister was articulating the State Government's position made known to the Supreme Court-appointed Empowered Committee that the ownership of the new dam would vest with Kerala as it is funding it entirely from its pocket.
But the operation of the reservoir could be carried out by a joint committee of the Kerala and Tamil Nadu Governments.
CENTRAL ROLE
In fact, Mr Chandy suggested that even the Centre could chip in here for a third and bipartisan role in the ownership sweepstakes. The State Government had an open mind with regard to the details of this oversight structure.
It was willing to make any compromise to maintain better relations with the neighbouring State, while not letting guard down on its own stated interests in the matter.
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to political parties, civil society movements and non-government organisations for the spirit of composure, fortitude and comradeship that has won the day for the State.
He said this in reference to the fact that, for the first time, the proposal for a new dam had come up for active consideration before the Empowered Committee.
WATER SUPPLY
He also sought to assure Tamil Nadu that it would continue to get the same quantity of water from a prospective new dam as it does from the extant arrangement.
The State Assembly has already passed a resolution to the effect, he said, and added that the State was willing to give an undertaking before the Supreme Court as well.
Over and above this, every single issue pertaining to the new dam would be discussed with Tamil Nadu.
But it would not anymore be allowed to snowball into a needless controversy. Tamil Nadu has been arguing that all outstanding issues should be referred to the Supreme Court for arbitration.
Kerala could not agree better, the Chief Minister said. It was willing to abide by any ruling that the Supreme Court may take in these matters.