CHENNAI: Taking strong exception to Kerala's reported "unilateral" action in ordering real time monitoring of Mullaperiyar Dam along with the Centre without Tamil Nadu's consent, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today slammed it as a "blatant violation" of the principle of federalism and constitutional framework. In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, she referred to reports of Kerala deciding "unilaterally" to install real time monitoring system for water build up, calling it yet another attempt to exacerbate fears in Kerala about its safety.

Taking strong exception to Kerala’s reported “unilateral” action in ordering real time monitoring of Mullaperiyar Dam along with the Centre without Tamil Nadu’s consent, the Chief Minister, Ms J. Jayalalithaa, today slammed it as a “blatant violation” of the principle of federalism and constitutional framework.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, she referred to reports of Kerala deciding “unilaterally” to install real time monitoring system for water build up, calling it yet another attempt to exacerbate fears in Kerala about its safety.

Keen on taking advantage of the national solar mission, the public sector Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) will make a foray into the renewable energy sector with a pilot solar power project in the state, to be set up alongside the Nathpa Jhakri project.

Pilot Project

Fishermen held a demonstration in the city on Tuesday against India’s controversial Tipaimukh dam saying it would adversely affect livelihoods and life of over three lakh fishermen in Bangladesh’s north-eastern districts.

Speaking at a rally in front of the National Press Club fishermen’s leaders said that at least 10 rivers in Bangladesh including the Surma, Kushiyara and Meghna would dry up causing gradual desertification in the northeastern districts of lower riparian Bangladesh.

They said it would directly affect the life and livelihood of the country’s fishermen.

The government of Japan has decided to extend financial support of $96,660 (approximately Rs 8.3 million) to NGO RORWALI for the construction of Concrete Irrigation Channel in Village Thakhtabad, Peshawar, said a press release issued here on Monday.

The agreement for the project was signed between Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Hiroshi OE and RORWALI Chairman, Shabbir Ahmad Khan here at the ambassador's residence.

The project is expected to benefit about 1,300 households (approximately 13,000 individuals).