THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Kerala government's argument that it was not aware of the controversial order getting refuted, it has sought the advice of the Advocate General and the Law Department to revoke the controversial order permitting Tamil Nadu to cut down trees in Mullaperiyar. Kerala Kaumudi had reported on Tuesday that the current move was in favour of Tamil Nadu and that the order had not been frozen.

Kerala wants a new dam at Mullaperiyar. On the other hand, Tamil Nadu is arguing that there is no need for a new dam and that the water level can be raised to 152 feet by strengthening the baby dam. The Kerala government sparked a controversy by supporting Tamil Nadu by allowing it to cut 15 trees to facilitate the strengthening of the baby dam.

With the issue becoming a huge controversy, the government is now being forced to revoke the order. It is also considering a departmental inquiry by setting aside Chief Wildlife Warden Bennichan Thomas, who issued the order.

Bennichan Thomas and Forest Department head PK Kesavan had informed the government that the permission of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests was not required to cut down trees near the Baby Dam as the Supreme Court had granted permission. Forest Department Principal Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said that this was not entirely true. The order can be revoked for the same reasons and disciplinary action can be taken against the officer. Prior to this, the government has started examining the communication between the Centre and Tamil Nadu and the documents submitted to the Supreme Court.

Letter that refuted government's argument

The government's argument that it was not aware of the order was proven wrong after a letter sent by Mullaperiyar Supervisory Committee Committee Chairman LAV Nathan to State Water Resources Secretary surfaced. As per the letter, it has been six months since the move to cut the trees near the Baby Dam began.

On June 11, Kerala and Tamil Nadu forest officials conducted a joint inspection and decided which trees should be cut down. Kerala was represented by officials from the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Tamil Nadu made the moves by submitting official applications. This was followed by follow-up action, including a secretary-level meeting. With this, the forest minister, who said in the assembly that no inspection had taken place, changed his stance.

The Centre on Tuesday issued a letter to strengthen the baby dam. In a letter to Water Resources additional chief secretary TK Jose, the Centre stated that Tamil Nadu should be allowed to repair the approach road to the dam to facilitate repairs. The state government is also planning to save its image away by pointing out that it had only complied with the central directive.