The simmering discontent between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the dam in Mullaperiyar river has taken ugly turns. There are frequent disputes over sharing of cauvery waters which even after a favorable tribunal verdict remains a contentious issues between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The screening of a fictious film Dam 999 has opened up a slew of protests with the film being banned from screening in Tamil Nadu as it fears it whips up public sentiments over a non issue.

It is true that the Mullaperiyar Dam was found to be safe by an expert committee formed by the SC who ordered increasing the dam height to 142 ft. Kerala did not buy the report and produced an alternate report which claimed that the existing dam needs to be dismantled for fear of a deluge as it is within a siesmic area. SC itself was forced to appoint another committe of experts which is going in to the merits of both the states. Even after all this, Kerala has chosen to go ahead with its plan to build a new dam and remains united across political spectrum to have its way come what may- regardless of the decision of the SC. This requires to be conbdemned outright. The fears of Tamil NAdu is that if allowed to build a new dam, its right to water will be diminished as the new dam will not be coming under its purview for maintenance as is the present dam,. Kerala CM assures that TN will get its share of waters and the maintenance could be handed over to a third party.

In both Mulla periyar and Cauvery issues the river sharing agreements were entered in to between the then colonial British Government and two princely states of Mysore and Travancore. To that extent in Independent India, they require to be ratified by elected governments. But our politicians lack wisdom and often barter it for political gains. Especially in Tamil Nadu even if slightest bargain is extended to the other party, the opposition will bay for blood and whip up public sentiments. Centre can play an adjudicator but it lacks the political will for their party is in power in Kerala. Even in a politically mature state as Kerala, Antony is facing ire for his silence on the issue.

I feel Tamil Nadu should take the lead in ending the impasse. The fears of an impending disaster could be over blown and fictitious but it is a fear which has gripped in the disctricts of Idukki, Eranakulam and Allapey whipped up in the vernacular media over a period of time. It is our duty to allay those fears with a genuine concern for peoples lives which is more precious. We could after all allow construction of an alternate dam with clear rights to use the water as it exists today with centre playing the role of the mediator. Tamils have always been magnanimous and it is time we show political wisdom and maturity in this issue. Let us stop politicising an emotive issue with issues of livelihood.