Thiruvananthapuram : In its talks with Tamil Nadu, the state government is endeavouring to protect the interests of Kerala in connection with renewal of the Parambikulam-Aliyar agreement, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, replying to calling attention notice submitted by Sanish Kumar. Although re-assessment talks on the topic of sharing excess river waters began in 1988, a final decision in the regard never emerged, owing to lack of consensus.
On 25.09.2019. in the meeting held between Chief Ministers of both states, Tamil Nadu indicated its favour for having the agreement renewed. For the purpose, both states each set up a five-member committee helmed by respective Chief Secretaries and comprising technical experts. The committees held three meetings on the topic and based on its decisions, a draft outline has been framed, relating to revisal of Parambikulam-Aliyar agreement, that the both states have tentatively agreed upon, said CM.
Tamil Nadu has agreed to Kerala’s demand that the Joint Regulatory Board authorised by the contract to oversee sharing and distribution of the river waters, should hold more meetings than it does currently. At the Board meeting, Kerala will insist for a decision that will fix maximum allowable water level at Parambikulam dam. For now, the state has clarified that the natural flow(E-flow) of the three rivers relating to Parambikulam-Aliyar agreement shall be maintained as per recommendations of the National Harita Tribunal and that arrangements undertaken toward ensuring E-flow shall find mention in the revised agreement.
Since the massive floods of 2018, an expert committee has been appointed to conduct study related to safety of Peringalkooth dam. Procedures have also been completed to award dam reinforcement works based the expert committee report and dam safety review, once these documents are received. Once works are complete, more water could be diverted to Idamalayar dam and control water levels in Chalakudy river.
This year there arouse a situation when opening of Parambikulam dam forced authorities to open Peringalkooth dam too. Following this, the National Disaster Mgt Force kept a continuous watch on the scenario and subsequently evacuated residents living in low-lying areas along Chalakudi river.
The government has adopted all possible measures to reduce general distress and damage caused by opening of dams from time to time and to also protect lives and properties of the people, said CM.
