Stepping up pressure for the early resolution of Mullaperiyar Dam row with Tamil Nadu, Kerala Water Resources Minister P J Joseph on Saturday warned that the Centre will be held responsible if the 116-year-old structure collapses.
"The central government should not yield to Tamil Nadu's pressure. Lives of millions of people are in danger. If anything untoward happens because of Mullaperiyar, the government of India will be held responsible," he said.
Joseph, who is also a top leader of the Kerala Congress –M, a major partner in the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front, also expressed hope that the United Progressive Alliance government would "take appropriate action at the appropriate time."
'One area will be completely wiped out'
Tamil Nadu has been arguing that Mullaperiyar dam was meant for 999 years of irrigation and requisite safety measures have already been taken.
Citing the recent tremors that shook the area where Mullaperiyar dam is located, Joseph said if it collapses, four districts will be "heavily hit" and "it will be the biggest calamity on earth."
"One area will be completely wiped out. Is it not part of India? This should get precedence over any other problem in India. Can Parliament of India sleep over it," he asked.
He urged the national parties "to come to the forefront and take up the cause."
'This issue should get precedence'
"Putting aside all other issues, this should get precedence," Joseph said.
He said Kerala would move an Interim Application in the Supreme Court on Monday seeking its intervention for immediate resolution of the problem.
"Even if my ministership goes, I don't mind. There is a danger for millions of people. Then what is the importance of being a minister," Joseph declared.
While Kerala has expressed the apprehension that rising water level in the dam posed a major risk to it, Tamil Nadu has rejected any such fears.
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