Mullaperiyar: Tamil Nadu approaches Supreme Court seeking permission to cut trees

NEW DELHI: The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court seeking permission to cut trees in Mullaperiyar. Tamil Nadu requested the apex court to direct Kerala to restore the permission to cut 15 trees to strengthen the Mullaperiyar baby dam. It also requested the court to direct Kerala to complete the necessary steps to strengthen the baby dam in a timely manner.

A bench headed by Justice M.R. Shah will consider the request by Tamil Nadu on the petition filed by Joe Joseph regarding the safety of Mullaperiyar Dam. In November last year, Kerala had given permission to Tamil Nadu to cut 15 trees. However, Kerala revoked the permission within six days in an arbitrary manner, Tamil Nadu told the court. Tamil Nadu also pointed out that Kerala was not ready to complete the maintenance of the Vallakadavu - Mullaperiyar forest road, despite several suggestions from the Mullaperiyar Supervisory Committee. Another demand mentioned in the petition is that Tamil Nadu should be allowed to operate more boats in Periyar Lake.