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Title: Regarding National Water Development Agency’s reported recommendation to divert water from Pampa and Achen Coil rivers of Kerala to Tamil Nadu.
(ADOOR): Sir, thank you very much for giving me an opportunity. I am very happy that the hon. Minister of Water Resources is here. I am raising a very serious matter relating to the Ministry of Water Resources. … (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Nothing will go on record except the speech of Shri Kodikunnil Suresh.
(Interruptions) *
SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH : Sir, I want to bring to the urgent notice of the hon. House a very serious situation which has arisen in Kerala as a result of the efforts being made by the Government of Tamil Nadu to divert water from the two major rivers of Kerala – Pampa and Achen Coil. … (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please do not disturb now.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH : Sir, this step, on the part of Tamil Nadu, will result in serious scarcity of water in many parts of Kerala, especially in my constituency. The National Water Development Agency is said to be of the view that there is surplus water in these rivers. On the other hand, the Centre for Water Resources Management is of the view that there is no surplus water in these rivers.
* Not Recorded
The Government of Tamil Nadu, I understand, is going ahead with the project of constructing a dam in the hope that the Central Government will give its approval. Both the reports of these Agencies are said to be under the consideration of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Water Resources.
If the proposed dam at Mekkarai near Sengottai is constructed, many areas like Konni, Achen Coil of my constituency will be under water. It is estimated that if this dam becomes operational, about 2,000 hectares of forest land in Konni and Achen Coil area will be totally under water. This will be very disastrous for the people of central Travancore, particularly in my constituency.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: What do you want from the Central Government? You put forth your request.
SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH : Sir, as the House is aware, millions of devotees visit the holy shrine of Sabarimala every year. They use the water from River Pampa, which is treated as one of the holiest rivers. If water is diverted from this river, it will put these devotees to greater hardships.
Therefore, I would request the Minister for Water Resources to intervene in the matter immediately and direct the Tamil Nadu Government to stop construction of this dam at Mekkarai.
Also, I demand the Government to reject National Water Development Agency’s recommendation and thereby do not allow another water dispute to occur between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. … (Interruptions) Therefore, I would request the Government of India … (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Now, Shri Adhi Sankar will speak. Shri Kodikunnil Suresh, you have already requested the Government of India.
… (Interruptions)
