A roller-compacted concrete dam is ideal in Mullaperiyar and the government is committed to construct a dam using this technology, Water Resources Minister P.J.Joseph has said.
Reviewing various suggestions put forth at the seminar on Mullaperiyar dam held on the sidelines of the Karshika Mela at New Mans College, Thodupuzha, on Monday, Mr. Joseph said that a dam could be constructed in Mullaperiyar much faster way than using the normal technology. The roller-compacted technology ensures continues work and there is no need for watering on the concrete structure, he said. The most important factor is the quality control ensured in the technology and the dam is constructed in a manner to reduce the total cost, he said.
In Maharashtra, there are two dams constructed using the technology and it is the most congenial for a dam construction in Mullaperiyar ensuring completion in a shorter period.
The Minister said that nowhere in the world, there is a dam similar to the Mullaperiyar dam considering its age and the technology used for making it.
The government is committed to construct a new dam at Mullaperiyar and it is to be completed in a shorter period, he said.
The Minister said that the ideas emerged in the Karshika Mela will be combined to make the agriculture sector to a great leap forward.
He said that the district could be converted to augment vegetable and fruit production and he will take the initiate for this, he said. In the dairy sector also the district offers wide opportunities for leading the State, he said.
A seminar with the participation of agriculture scientist M.S.Swaminathan will be held next month to evolve ways to implement the Idukki pacjkagae in letter and spirit, he said.
