Parambikulam Aliyar Project talks on May12
The official level talks between Tamil Nadu and Kerala on sharing of water under the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) are scheduled to be held in Palakkad on May 11.This Joint Water Regulation Board meeting is a continuation of the failed talks held on February 14 where Tamil Nadu officials felt insulted by the 'adamant attitude' of the KSEB chief engineer Radhakrishnan, sources said.Tamil Nadu will be led by chief engineer of PWD M Kalyanasundaram and the team will comprise superintending engineer D Thirukuralarasu and TNEB superintending engineer Ragothaman.The agenda for the forthcoming meeting will include the pattern in which Tamil Nadu should release water during the coming year and installation of digital water level recorders at various inter-state guaging points.As per the agreement, Tamil Nadu is to release 12.3 tmc ft of water from the Tamil Nadu Sholayar to Kerala Sholayar annually. From Manakadavu, Tamil Nadu is expected to release 7.25 tmc ft annually.
It is also expected to maintain Full Reservoir Level (FRL) in Kerala Sholayar on February 1 and September 1 every year.Sources said that Tamil Nadu was able to maintain FRL during September but it became a problem during February when the intermediate catchment areas would have no water.There are 32 inter-state guaging points and Kerala has been demanding installation of digital water level recorders at important inter-state guaging points.Tamil Nadu officials say they are ready to install the recorders but could not get good instruments.On sharing of water, the Tamil Nadu officials said: "Whatever water we have, we are sharing it properly. There has been a shortfall only during the drought years but we are able to release water along with the arrears during good years."
