The Action Council of people living downstream of the Mullaperiyar dam will form a 'human barrage' at Chappath bridge in Idukki district to press its demand for replacement of the old dam at Mullaperiyar.
Opposition Leader Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the public meeting that will follow. The new mode of protest is being staged as the agitation by the Council demanding a new dam and new agreement with Tamil Nadu on Mullaperiyar waters entered the 1000th day on Saturday.
People representatives, leaders of social, cultural and environmental organisations and religious leaders will attend. The Opposition leader said that "Water for Tamil Nadu, safety for Kerala" was the slogan and replacement of the more than a century-old dam was a must. Kerala had no objection to giving water to Tamil Nadu and The United Democratic Front was all for the amicable settlement of the issue with the State.
P.T. Thomas, Member of Parliament representing Idukki district, said that Parliamentarians from Kerala had met members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu towards resolving the issue. A new dam would be protection for those living downstream as the old dam could give way anytime.
