The Kerala government on Monday made it clear that it would never take any decision that could jeopardise the safety of Mullaperiyar Dam and harm the security of the people of the state, even as opposition UDF blasted them in the assembly over a controversial order permitting Tamil Nadu for felling 15 trees downstream of Baby Dam at Mullaperiyar reservoir.
"Safety for Kerala and water for Tamil Nadu" is the state government's proclaimed policy in the Mullaperiyar issue and there would be no deviation from the stand, the government told the House.
The Congress-led opposition pointed out that the order, issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden on November 5, was the violation of the stand adopted by the state in the Mullaperiyar issue so far.
However, the government assured that there is no question of taking any action against the interests of the state and said its strong position in the issue was made clear in the note and reply affidavit filed in the apex court regarding the Mullaperiyar case.
The Pinarayi Vijayan government's explanation came a day after it was forced to freeze an order, issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden granting permission to Tamil Nadu for felling 15 trees downstream of Baby Dam at Mullaperiyar reservoir, in the wake of huge political controversy erupted in the southern state.
While replying to a notice seeking an adjournment motion over the issue, Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran said the government would never accept the bureaucratic decision taken against the interests of the state in this regard.
