The Chairman of Supreme Court appointed Mullaperiyar Dam Supervisory Committee B.R.K. Pillai on Thursday reiterated that the dam is strong.
Talking to press persons after completing the ninth panel meeting at the Panel’s office at first mile area here on Thursday, Mr. Pillai, who is also the Chief Engineer of Central Water Commission (Dam Safety Wing), said that the dam’s structure was robust as its level had touched 142 feet twice earlier. The gallery shutters were also found to be in good condition and they were inspected by a sub-committee recently.
To a question on reports of leakage in the dam, he clarified that it was only a “seepage”, which was a normal phenomenon. To measure seepage, a drain would be constructed, he added.
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To a query on long-pending issues like power supply to the dam and construction of a road from Vallakadavu to Periyar dam, he said that other departments like Forest Department were involved in it. The States would follow the guidelines to sort out these issues.
Reacting to disruptions in undertaking of maintenance work, he said that such issues were not brought to the knowledge of the committee. Raising the dam’s level to 152 feet would not come under the purview of the committee as it had been appointed by the SC only to check the strength of the dam and monitor its maintenance, he added. It was the first visit of Mr. Pillai to the dam after assuming as chairman of the panel. The committee had completed eight meetings so far.