Tamil Nadu govt plans talks with Kerala on 3 water-sharing projects

Naduwould soon hold talks withKeralaatThiruvananthapuramto resolve various inter-state water disputes including strengthening of Mullaperiyar dam and implementation of Pamba-Achankoil-Vaippar link, which would help divert 22tmcft of water to Sankarankoil, Kovilpatti, Sivagiri, Srivilliputhur, Rajapalayam, Sathur and Tenkasi taluks in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu had sanctioned Rs9.8 crore for the work. The state has also sanctioned installation of seismic instruments at the dam at Rs99.9 lakh. TheTamil Nadu governmentalso requires permission from Kerala to cut 23 trees to complete the strengthening work of Baby dam and repair the ghat road. Due to the obstructionist Attitude of Kerala government, it was getting delayed, the minister said.
On Pamba-Achankoil-Vaippar link, Duraimurugan said the project could help generate 500MW power for Kerala. Despite Tamil Nadu giving its concurrence for preparing a detailed project report, Kerala was not in favour of the project, he said.

The Tamil Nadu government also wants Kerala to give nod to the modified proposal of Pandiyar-Punnampuzha project, proposed by the DMK government in 2006. The project was expected to generate 60MWhydropowerand divert 7tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) water through a 27km long tunnel to Moyar in Bhavani sub-basin to meet the drinking and Irrigation needs of some drought-prone areas. After conducting preliminary study, a feasibility report had been prepared to facilitate discussions with Kerala