Thiruvananthapuram 04-01-2012: A joint control mechanism involving Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Centre with regard to the proposed new dam at Mullaperiyar is acceptable to the state, said CM. A similar system is already in place at Siruvani dam and is functioning well, he added. CM was briefing the cabinet decisions to media here.

Kerala is ready to accept the Supreme Court’s verdict on the terms and conditions on the proposed new dam.

CM said that the proposal for the new dam has got national recognition and it is the victory of Kerala’s united stand that the High Power Committee appointed by the Supreme Court has sought the opinion of both the states in this matter.

The CM said that Kerala wants to settle the issue with Tamil Nadu’s Co-operation and that the state doesn’t have any hidden agenda. Kerala wants to ensure the safety of the people living downstream. At the same time the sate is ready to assure water from the dam to Tamil Nadu.

Kochi Metro: Sreedharan’ expertise will be utilized

CM said that the expertise of Mr E Sreedharan, former Managing Director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will be utilized in the Kochi Metro Rail Project.

The state had earlier sought Sreedharan’s leadership and expertise in developing various infrastructure projects in the state. It was with this intention that he had been made a member of State Planning Board. CM said that he himself and the Ministers in charge of Industries and Power have also talked to Sreedharan with regard to the implementation of the Kochi Metro Rail Project and the Government is sure that Mr Sreedharan will be heading the project. The last word on the Kochi Metro Rail Project would be that of E Sreedharan.

Mr. Sreedharan will arrive at Trivandru in 12^th to attend the State Planning Board meeting. He hopes that the entire controversy surrounding the project will be blown over by that time.

Financial assistance to victims of Flood ravage

CM said that Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned to provide grants for those who have suffered losses in the recent floods in the Trivandrum city. Free ration for a month has also been sanctioned for them. He said that a Cabinet Sub Committee has been formed to study the problem of water logging in the city. The committee has been asked to submit the report in the next cabinet meeting. Besides these it has also been decided to entrust a Delhi based agency RITES to study the problem of water logging in the city.

Officials have been asked to prepare a detailed project report on the proposed 500 crore project on Karamana and Killiyar rivers. The main objectives of this project are to save both rivers from pollution and to control flooding of these rivers.

Cabinet has also decided to hike the educational grants to SC, SC and OEC students in the state. The Cabinet has also approved in principle the project for an integrated township at Chembu in Kottayam district. The project is proposed to provide job opportunities for 6000 persons directly and 27,000 people indirectly.