CWC to look into Mullaperiyar issue

New Delhi: Union Minister for Water Resources Uma Bharti has assured Kerala that the Central Water Commission would discuss the issues relating to spillway management of Mullapeiryar Dam in view of the flooding in Chennai following release of water from Chembarambakkam reservoir into Adayar River.

The Minister gave the assurance to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and State Water Resources Minister P. J. Joseph who met her in Delhi to convey the State’s concern over the situation at Mullaperiyar Dam.

The Minister said that she would be seeking a report from the Commission on the subject.

The Chief Minister will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to take up Mullaperiyat and other issues.

The Chief Minister who met Union Minister of Health urged the Ministry to take steps for controlling drug prices. During discussions, the Minister promised to supply generic medicines to the State at 30 per cent of the market price. Assistance was also promised for starting 200 drug outlets.

Photo: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and State Water Resources Minister P. J. Joseph holding discussions with Union Minister Uma Bharti in Delhi on Thursday (Photo credit: James Wilson)