The article, “Unwarranted fears on Mullaiperiyar” (Dec. 31) by Durai Murugan is an erudite articulation of Tamil Nadu's stand on the dam issue. It has cleared many misconceptions. Kerala's proposal to construct a new dam will not see the light of day, given the monumental task of getting environmental clearance. On the issue of tremors, its fears are unfounded, as the article points out.
J. Anantha Padmanabhan,
Srirangam
Does the failure of earlier rounds of talks mean the end of everything? If a large number of people believe that the strengthening of the old dam is not enough and that their safety is in peril, why can't we think of an alternative? If Tamil Nadu needs 152 ft water, it can make it a prerequisite for the construction of a new dam. The two States can agree not to abolish the old dam unless water reaches the southern districts of Tamil Nadu from the new dam. All these are possible only through talks, not judicial verdicts.
Maneesh Chandran,
Chennai
One fails to understand the logic behind strengthening or repairing a dam that is 116 years old. If Tamil Nadu has the right to protect the interests of the farmers of five districts who may starve without water from the Mullaperiyar dam, Kerala has the right to save the lives of people living downstream. We need to think beyond borders.
M.D. Dinesh Nair,
Vijayawada
The article highlights the hardening stands of political parties in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is hoped that the Prime Minister will not allow the matter to drift and will take expedient steps to nationalise dams and bring them under the control of disaster management experts for maintenance.
Right to water is also a fundamental right of citizens. Governments should stop giving clarion calls to people, asking them to brace themselves for water wars.
K. Aravindakshan,
Coimbatore
As a concerned citizen of this great nation and resident of both States, I make this appeal. The need of the hour is peaceful contemplation. In times such as this, passions tend to run high and, rhetoric, rather than facts, rules the roost. It is important for right-thinking people to initiate a sober discussion to find ways to solve the problem.
Senior politicians-statesmen along with a panel comprising intellectuals, scientists and jurists from both States and the Centre should study the situation and come up with solutions that best address the problem.
K.S. Sunil,
Gudalur
