High Court raps state over inaction

KOCHI:  The High Court expressed anguish over the inaction of the State Government with regard to the safety measures initiated by the government. “Last time the Advocate General submitted that the water level of the dam would be brought down in the wake of the possible threat. But now the state is saying, ‘We are planning on it.’ Safety is the prime concern, ignore the power generation and the water level. Respond positively and avoid a verbal exercise,” the court orally observed.AG K P Dandapani submitted that steps have been taken to save the life of people in the event of a disaster. In the morning session, the court sought details from the government about the water level of Cheruthoni, Kulamavu and Idukki dams. After one hour the state submitted these details.  After examining the report regarding the water level in the three dams, the court asked if Cheruthoni dam’s shutters lifted, will the water flow to the Arabian sea. To which the AG responded that the state will have to get expert opinion on this.The court further asked how much time will it take for the water to flow from Mullaperiyar to Idukki Dam. The AG submitted that it would take 7 hours. But the counsel for the petitioners corrected the submission stating that it would take only 45 minutes.The Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice P R Ramachandra Menon also asked the government to explain the steps taken to lower the water level in these dams.