The Kerala government on Thursday had decided to provide 20 litres of drinking water to its neighbouring state Tamil Nadu, as it is suffering from water crisis
Thiruvananthapuram: Just hours after Kerala claimed Tamil Nadu chief minister’s office has refused to accept Kerala's proposal to offer water, K Palaniswami on Friday urged Pinarayi Vijayan to extend cooperation to store water to the full level in the Mullaperiyar dam.
Welcoming Kerala's gesture to supply water, chief minister of Tamil Nadu Palaniswami said the neighbouring state had only offered two MLD (million litre per day) for a day whereas every day supply would help.
"I thank Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, but 2 MLD water will not be sufficient. We are everyday supplying 525 MLD water (in Chennai) and if 2 MLD water could be given everyday, it will be useful for the people," he said.
Poondi, Chembarambakkam, Sholavaram and Red Hills reservoirs here have dried up and despite that supplies were being made to the people, he said.
Pointing to the Supreme Court judgment on the Mullaiperiyar dam which had said that water could be stored to the full level of 152 ft after carrying out strengthening works, he alleged that Kerala, however, scuttled refurbishment works.
"We need every drop of water," he said addressing a press conference, while adding that people in five districts, including Theni and Ramanathapuram were dependent on Mullaiperiyar water for their livelihood.
Palaniswami appealed to Kerala to extend cooperation to store full water in the Mullaiperiyar dam.
Also, he appealed to the people to use water judiciously in view of the shortage.
The Kerala government on Thursday had decided to provide 20 litres of drinking water to its neighbouring state Tamil Nadu, as it is suffering from water crisis. A press release said, “As major water bodies of Chennai have been facing acute water shortage, Kerala government has decided to extend a helping hand.’
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